Question

Hyperventilation often occurs in the laboring client. What results from hyperventilation, and what actions should the nurse take to relieve the condition.

a) Respiratory alkalosis, have the client breathe into a paper bag
b) Respiratory acidosis, encourage the client to breathe deeply
c) Hypoventilation, assist the client with breathing exercises
d) Metabolic alkalosis, administer oxygen to the client

Answer 1

Hyperventilation in laboring clients causes respiratory alkalosis, and breathing into a paper bag is the correct action for a nurse to relieve the condition by rebalancing blood CO₂ levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hyperventilation often occurs in the laboring client and can lead to respiratory alkalosis, which is a condition where there is a primary deficiency of carbonic acid and CO₂ in the blood, resulting in overly alkaline blood pH. This happens due to excessive CO₂ being exhaled from the lungs. To relieve this condition, the nurse should have the client breathe into a paper bag. This action helps by re-inhaling some of the exhaled CO₂, thereby correcting the imbalance in the blood's carbon dioxide levels and alleviating symptoms of respiratory alkalosis.