Question

A teenager presents to the emergency department with palpitations after vaping at a party. The client is anxious, fearful, and hyperventilating. The nurse anticipates the client developing which acid base imbalance?

A.) Respiratory acidosis
B.) Metabolic alkalosis
C.) Metabolic acidosis
D.) Respiratory alkalosis

Answer 1

The teenager who presents with palpitations after vaping and hyperventilation is likely to develop respiratory alkalosis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The client in this case, who presented with palpitations after vaping, hyperventilation, anxiety, and fear, is likely to develop Respiratory Alkalosis as an acid-base imbalance.

Respiratory alkalosis occurs when the blood becomes excessively alkaline due to a deficiency in carbonic acid and CO2 levels. This condition is often caused by hyperventilation, which can be triggered by factors such as emotional distress, fever, or high levels of catecholamines like epinephrine and norepinephrine. In this case, the hyperventilation resulting from anxiety and fear after vaping can lead to respiratory alkalosis.

Therefore, the nurse should anticipate the client developing D) Respiratory alkalosis.