1
MDC II Exam 2 2026 Latest Questions
and Answers (100% Expert Answers)
A+
What is your first step when interpreting ABGs? [ Ans: ] look at pH
What acid-base imbalance would you expect to see in an asthmatic
patient? [ Ans: ] Respiratory acidosis
Common causes of Respiratory Acidosis [ Ans: ] COPD
asthma
muscle weakness
▪ inadequate chest expansion
© 2026
▪ pneumonia
▪ pulmonary edema
▪ sleep apnea
▪ respiratory depression r/t: drugs, alcohol, anesthesia, electrolyte
imbalance
▪ high ICP
S/S of Respiratory Acidosis
(acidosis has similar s/s no matter if met. or resp.) [ Ans: ] Vital Signs,
think LOW & SLOW
,2
▪ bradycardia, thready weak pulses
▪ hypotension
▪ hypoxia
Electrolyte Imbalance
▪ hyperkalemia
Skin
▪ pale, cyanotic
CNS Depression, think LOW & SLOW
▪ lethargy
© 2026
▪ confusion
▪ stupor
▪ coma
▪ headache
Musculoskeletal, think LOW & SLOW
▪ hyporeflexia
▪ muscle weakness
▪ flaccid paralysis
, 3
Cardiac
▪ heart dysrhythmias (due to hyperkalemia)
▪ increased cardiac output
▪ EKG changes - tall T waves, wide QRS, prolonged PR interval
Treatment for Respiratory Acidosis [ Ans: ] stabilize airway (patent)
bronchodilators
▪ O2
▪ Pulmonary hygiene (positioning and breathing/coughing techniques)
▪ Suction PRN
© 2026
▪ If on ventilation, increase ventilation rate.
▪ Endotracheal intubation
For underlying causes:
▪ Correct electrolyte balance (hyperkalemia)
▪ Antibiotics (if it's infection)
What does your body do to compensate for respiratory acidosis? [ Ans: ]
▪ increase respirations to increase pH
Nursing Diagnosis for Respiratory Acidosis [ Ans: ] ▪ impaired gas
exchange
MDC II Exam 2 2026 Latest Questions
and Answers (100% Expert Answers)
A+
What is your first step when interpreting ABGs? [ Ans: ] look at pH
What acid-base imbalance would you expect to see in an asthmatic
patient? [ Ans: ] Respiratory acidosis
Common causes of Respiratory Acidosis [ Ans: ] COPD
asthma
muscle weakness
▪ inadequate chest expansion
© 2026
▪ pneumonia
▪ pulmonary edema
▪ sleep apnea
▪ respiratory depression r/t: drugs, alcohol, anesthesia, electrolyte
imbalance
▪ high ICP
S/S of Respiratory Acidosis
(acidosis has similar s/s no matter if met. or resp.) [ Ans: ] Vital Signs,
think LOW & SLOW
,2
▪ bradycardia, thready weak pulses
▪ hypotension
▪ hypoxia
Electrolyte Imbalance
▪ hyperkalemia
Skin
▪ pale, cyanotic
CNS Depression, think LOW & SLOW
▪ lethargy
© 2026
▪ confusion
▪ stupor
▪ coma
▪ headache
Musculoskeletal, think LOW & SLOW
▪ hyporeflexia
▪ muscle weakness
▪ flaccid paralysis
, 3
Cardiac
▪ heart dysrhythmias (due to hyperkalemia)
▪ increased cardiac output
▪ EKG changes - tall T waves, wide QRS, prolonged PR interval
Treatment for Respiratory Acidosis [ Ans: ] stabilize airway (patent)
bronchodilators
▪ O2
▪ Pulmonary hygiene (positioning and breathing/coughing techniques)
▪ Suction PRN
© 2026
▪ If on ventilation, increase ventilation rate.
▪ Endotracheal intubation
For underlying causes:
▪ Correct electrolyte balance (hyperkalemia)
▪ Antibiotics (if it's infection)
What does your body do to compensate for respiratory acidosis? [ Ans: ]
▪ increase respirations to increase pH
Nursing Diagnosis for Respiratory Acidosis [ Ans: ] ▪ impaired gas
exchange
