Question

Which of the following would differentiate acute from chronic respiratory acidosis in the assessment of the trauma client?

a) Presence of dyspnea
b) Changes in mental status
c) Elevated bicarbonate levels
d) Decreased respiratory rate

Answer 1

In the assessment of a trauma client, the presence of dyspnea (difficulty breathing) would differentiate acute from chronic respiratory acidosis. Changes in mental status and bicarbonate levels are not exclusive to either condition, but a decreased respiratory rate is more commonly seen in acute respiratory acidosis.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the assessment of a trauma client, the presence of dyspnea (difficulty breathing) would differentiate acute from chronic respiratory acidosis. Acute respiratory acidosis is often associated with sudden injury or illness, leading to immediate shortness of breath, while chronic respiratory acidosis develops gradually over time.

While changes in mental status may occur in both acute and chronic respiratory acidosis, this symptom alone cannot differentiate between the two conditions. Elevated bicarbonate levels would indicate compensation in both acute and chronic respiratory acidosis. However, a decrease in respiratory rate is more commonly associated with acute respiratory acidosis, as the body tries to eliminate excess CO2.