A very ill client has been admitted to the hospital for testing for possible septic shock. The client reports light-headedness, dizziness, and tingling/numbness of the fingers and toes

The nurse understands that this is likely due to which physiological phenomenon?
A) Decrease in cerebral blood flow
B) Impaired alveolar ventilation
C) Gain in bicarbonate
D) Inability of the kidney to excrete the body's fixed acids


Ans: A
Feedback:
The sign/symptoms of respiratory alkalosis are associated with hyperexcitability of the nervous system and a decrease in cerebral blood flow. A decrease in the CO2 content of the blood causes constriction of cerebral blood vessels. CO2 crosses the blood–brain barrier rather quickly; the manifestations of acute respiratory alkalosis are usually of sudden onset. The person often experiences light-headedness, dizziness, tingling, and numbness of the fingers and toes. Impaired alveolar ventilation is associated with respiratory acidosis. A gain in bicarbonate is associated with metabolic alkalosis. Inability of the kidney to excrete the body's fixed acids occurs with metabolic acidosis.

Health & Biomechanics

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