Question

A client presents to the ED in shock. During what phase of shock does the nurse know that metabolic acidosis is going to most likely occur?

1. compensation
2. irreversible
3. early
4. decompensation

Answer 1

The nurse knows that metabolic acidosis is most likely to occur during the compensation phase of shock, as the body activates compensatory mechanisms to restore blood flow and tissue oxygenation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse knows that metabolic acidosis is most likely to occur during the compensation phase of shock.

In shock, the body undergoes a series of physiological changes in an attempt to restore blood flow and tissue oxygenation. During the compensation phase, the body activates compensatory mechanisms to maintain perfusion to vital organs. One of these mechanisms is the respiratory system increasing the respiratory rate to eliminate excess carbon dioxide (CO2) and adjust the bicarbonate to carbonic acid ratio.

In metabolic acidosis, lower-than-normal amounts of bicarbonate are present in the blood. If compensation has occurred, the body decreases the PCO2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide) to reestablish the proper ratio of bicarbonate to carbonic acid/CO2.