Question

Which nursing diagnoses should the nurse include in the plan of care for a patient who is experiencing acid-base imbalance, hypoxemia, hypotension, restlessness, anxiety, and decreased oxygen saturation?

Answer 1

Nursing diagnoses for a patient experiencing symptoms such as hypoxemia and hypotension should focus on Impaired Gas Exchange, Decreased Cardiac Output, Acute Confusion, Anxiety, and Risk for Acid-Base Imbalance, with treatments tailored to the specific type of imbalance indicated by lab results.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nursing diagnoses for a patient with acid-base imbalance, hypoxemia, hypotension, restlessness, anxiety, and decreased oxygen saturation should include:

• Impaired Gas Exchange related to altered oxygen supply
• Decreased Cardiac Output related to hypotension and decreased oxygen saturation
• Acute Confusion related to hypoxemia
• Anxiety related to the health state and breathing difficulties
• Risk for Acid-Base Imbalance (either Risk for Metabolic Acidosis or Risk for Respiratory Acidosis) depending on the lab results

Comprehensive lab tests, including measurements of pH, pCO2, and HCO3, will determine the type of acid-base imbalance—whether it's metabolic or respiratory—and the body's compensatory response. Treatments should aim to correct the underlying condition causing the imbalance, such as providing supplemental oxygen or managing fluid balance and blood pressure to improve cardiac output.