A nurse is stuck in the elevator with an anxious patient who fears that no one will know they are stuck, even though the nurse has pushed the emergency button
The patient becomes hysterical, with respirations of 48/minute. The nurse attempts to reassure the patient, but the patient is inconsolable. The nurse should anticipate the patient will manifest symptoms of which of the following acid-base alterations?
a. Respiratory acidosis
b. Respiratory alkalosis
c. Metabolic acidosis
d. Metabolic alkalosis
ANS: B
A patient having a panic attack will hyperventilate, blowing off carbon dioxide, and develop respiratory alkalosis.
Respiratory acidosis most often results from hypoventilation.
Metabolic acidosis often results from diarrhea.
Metabolic alkalosis most often results from vomiting.
NOTE: Respiratory alkalosis can be compensated for by metabolic acidosis; respiratory acidosis by metabolic alkalosis; metabolic acidosis by respiratory alkalosis; and metabolic alkalosis by respiratory acidosis.
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