Topic: Acid-Base Imbalance
Competency
Describe strategies for safe, effective multidimensional nursing care for clients with acid-base imbalances.
Scenario
Tony is a 56-year-old, Hispanic male that presented to the Emergency Room with complaints of frequent, which he has been experiencing for the past four days. He states I havent felt good for about a week, but couldnt afford to miss work. He complains of a diarrhea, lightheadedness, and feeling exhausted. Past medical history includes asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Upon physical examination, you notice that Tony is pale, drowsy, and his respiratory rate is 28 breaths per minute and deep, heart rate 125 beats per minute, blood pressure 80/40 mm Hg, and his pulse oximetry is 90% on room air. You notify the MD. He orders oxygen at 2 L via NC, a guiac stool, and an arterial blood gas.
Tonys ABG results:
pH 7.28
PaCO2 32 mm Hg
PaO2 70 mm Hg
HCO3 18 mEq/L
Instructions
In a2-page Word document:
1. Determine Tonys acid-base imbalance
2. Describe possible causes of the imbalance
3. Identify the signs and symptoms that Tony is exhibiting as a result of the acid-base imbalance
4. List the multidimensional care strategies that are appropriate for the care of Tony
Must use a minimum of four scholarly resources (only .org, .edu, or .gov. Cite with links included for referencing)
