What symptoms should the nurse assess in a client at risk for metabolic alkalosis?

What symptoms should the nurse assess in a client at risk for metabolic alkalosis?

• A. Increased heart rate and hypertension
• B. Dysrhythmias and decreased respiratory rate and depth
• C. Paresthesias and bradycardia
• D. Shortness of breath and fatigue

Answer: (B)

When assessing a client at risk for metabolic alkalosis, it is important to focus on specific symptoms that are closely associated with this condition. Dysrhythmias, decreased respiratory rate, and decreased depth of breathing are key indicators. Metabolic alkalosis often results from excess bicarbonate or a loss of acids, which can lead to electrolyte imbalances, particularly concerning potassium and calcium levels. These imbalances can manifest as dysrhythmias, highlighting the need for cardiac monitoring. Additionally, because metabolic alkalosis can be associated with hypoventilation, the respiratory rate and depth may decrease as the body attempts to retain carbon dioxide to counteract the alkalotic state. Monitoring these respiratory patterns is essential, as a reduced respiratory rate can exacerbate the alkalosis by further decreasing carbon dioxide levels, leading to a cycle of worsening symptoms. Hence, assessing for dysrhythmias along with decreased respiratory rate and depth aligns perfectly with the physiological changes that occur in metabolic alkalosis. This understanding is crucial for early detection and prompt intervention in affected clients.

When assessing a client at risk for metabolic alkalosis, it is important to focus on specific symptoms that are closely associated with this condition. Dysrhythmias, decreased respiratory rate, and decreased depth of breathing are key indicators.

Metabolic alkalosis often results from excess bicarbonate or a loss of acids, which can lead to electrolyte imbalances, particularly concerning potassium and calcium levels. These imbalances can manifest as dysrhythmias, highlighting the need for cardiac monitoring. Additionally, because metabolic alkalosis can be associated with hypoventilation, the respiratory rate and depth may decrease as the body attempts to retain carbon dioxide to counteract the alkalotic state.

Monitoring these respiratory patterns is essential, as a reduced respiratory rate can exacerbate the alkalosis by further decreasing carbon dioxide levels, leading to a cycle of worsening symptoms. Hence, assessing for dysrhythmias along with decreased respiratory rate and depth aligns perfectly with the physiological changes that occur in metabolic alkalosis. This understanding is crucial for early detection and prompt intervention in affected clients.