Question

Which interventions should the nurse implement for a patient who is experiencing respiratory acidosis?

Answer 1

Interventions for a patient experiencing respiratory acidosis include administering supplemental oxygen, optimizing lung expansion and ventilation through positioning, and encouraging deep breathing and coughing exercises to facilitate CO2 elimination.

Step-by-step explanation:

Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is an excess of carbonic acid in the blood caused by excessive CO2. The nurse should implement interventions aimed at improving the patient's respiratory function and reducing CO2 levels in the blood. These interventions may include:

1. Administering supplemental oxygen to improve oxygenation and reduce the need for increased respiratory effort
2. Assisting the patient with positioning to optimize lung expansion and ventilation
3. Encouraging deep breathing and coughing exercises to facilitate CO2 elimination
4. Monitoring vital signs, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate for any changes
5. Collaborating with the healthcare team to address the underlying cause of respiratory acidosis