The nurse is caring for a patient who is anxious and dizzy following a traumatic experience. The arterial blood gas findings include: pH 7.48, PaO2 110, PaCO2 25, and HCO3 24
The nurse would anticipate which initial intervention to correct this problem? 1. Encourage the patient to breathe in and out slowly into a paper bag.
2. Immediately administer oxygen via a mask and monitor oxygen saturation.
3. Start an intravenous fluid bolus using isotonic fluids.
4. Administer intravenous sodium bicarbonate.
1
Rationale 1: This patient is exhibiting signs of hyperventilation, which is confirmed with the blood gas results of respiratory alkalosis. Breathing into a paper bag will help the patient retain carbon dioxide and lower oxygen levels to normal, correcting the cause of the problem.
Rationale 2: The oxygen levels are high, so oxygen is not indicated and would exacerbate the problem if given.
Rationale 3: Not enough information is given to determine the need for intravenous fluids.
Rationale 4: Bicarbonate would be contraindicated as the pH is already high.
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