Question

Upon analysis of a client's arterial blood gas results, the nurse determines that the concentration of carbon dioxide and hydrogen ions is elevated, and the oxygen in the arterial blood is decreased.

What respiratory assessment findings would the nurse anticipate observing in a client with these arterial blood gas results?

a) Increase in the rate of respirations and decrease in depth
b) Increase in rate and depth of respirations
c) Decrease in the rate of respirations and increase in depth
d) Decrease in rate and depth of respirations

Answer 1

The nurse would anticipate observing an increase in the rate and depth of respirations in a client with elevated carbon dioxide and hydrogen ion levels and decreased oxygen in arterial blood.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse would anticipate observing an increase in the rate and depth of respirations in a client with elevated carbon dioxide and hydrogen ion levels and decreased oxygen in arterial blood. This is because the respiratory centers of the brain are stimulated by these changes, resulting in an increase in respiratory rate and depth to remove carbon dioxide from the blood more quickly and improve oxygenation.