The nurse caring for a client in shock who is being mechanically hyperventilated explains that the rationale for this intervention is to
A) decrease carbon dioxide levels in the blood.
B) prevent atelectasis and respiratory failure.
C) rest the client to decrease metabolism.
D) stimulate endorphin production.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

By increasing the rate of pulmonary ventilation (through spontaneous or mechanical hyperventilation), it is possible to compensate for minor degrees of metabolic acidosis. This increased "blowing off" of carbon dioxide with hyperventilation begins to compensate for acid-base imbalance.

The Nurse Caring for a Client in Shock Who Is