A client is experiencing metabolic acidosis.
The nurse anticipates that the client’s respiratory rate will be:
A.
Increased.
B.
Decreased.
C.
Normal.
D.
Irregular.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is A. Increased.
In metabolic acidosis, the body experiences an increase in acidity due to the accumulation of acid or a significant loss of bicarbonate. Common causes of metabolic acidosis include diabetic ketoacidosis, renal failure, and severe diarrhea, where bicarbonate is lost from the gastrointestinal tract.
To compensate for the increased acidity, the respiratory system plays a critical role. The body attempts to correct the acid-base imbalance through a process called respiratory compensation. When acidosis is detected, the central nervous system, particularly the medulla oblongata, responds by stimulating an increase in respiratory rate and depth. This increase in ventilation aims to expel carbon dioxide (CO2), a component that can contribute to acidity when retained in the body.
By increasing the respiratory rate, the body works to decrease the levels of CO2 in the bloodstream. This reaction is vital because CO2 can combine with water to form carbonic acid, thereby exacerbating acidosis. Thus, when metabolic acidosis occurs, hyperventilation is the body’s physiological response to help restore a more neutral pH balance.
In summary, a client with metabolic acidosis will typically exhibit an increased respiratory rate as the body attempts to compensate for the lowered pH. This compensatory mechanism helps to reduce CO2 levels and minimize the acidotic state, showcasing the interconnectedness of metabolic and respiratory systems in maintaining homeostasis. If the respiratory compensation is insufficient, medical intervention may be necessary to address the underlying cause of the acidosis and to provide supportive care to stabilize the client’s condition.