Question

The nurse is caring for a patient in septic shock. The nurse notes that the rate and depth of respirations is markedly increased. The nurse interprets this as a possible manifestation of the respiratory system compensating for which condition?

1) Metabolic acidosis
2) Metabolic alkalosis
3) Respiratory acidosis
4) Respiratory alkalosis

Answer 1

The increased respiratory rate observed by the nurse in a septic shock patient is a compensation mechanism for metabolic acidosis, aimed at reducing blood acidity by expelling excess CO2.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's observation of increased rate and depth of respirations in a patient with septic shock is indicative of respiratory compensation for metabolic acidosis. Metabolic acidosis triggers an increase in the respiratory rate to expel more carbon dioxide (CO2) and reduce the acidity of the blood by increasing the bicarbonate to carbonic acid ratio back to a normal level. This is a critical response as septic shock can lead to an accumulation of acids in the body, causing the pH of the blood to drop, thereby necessitating the respiratory system to compensate by driving off the excess CO2.