MDC 4 NUR2755 FINAL EXAM REVIEW AND
SOLUTIONS 2026
◉ Respiratory acidosis. Answer: What acid-base imbalance would
you expect to see in an asthmatic patient?
◉ *COPD*
*asthma*
*muscle weakness*
▪ inadequate chest expansion
▪ pneumonia
▪ pulmonary edema
▪ sleep apnea
▪ respiratory depression r/t: drugs, alcohol, anesthesia, electrolyte
imbalance
▪ high ICP. Answer: Common causes of Respiratory Acidosis
◉ *Vital Signs, think LOW & SLOW*
▪ bradycardia, thready weak pulses
▪ hypotension
▪ hypoxia
,*Electrolyte Imbalance*
▪ hyperkalemia
*Skin*
▪ pale, cyanotic
*CNS Depression, think LOW & SLOW*
▪ lethargy
▪ confusion
▪ stupor
▪ coma
▪ headache
*Musculoskeletal, think LOW & SLOW*
▪ hyporeflexia
▪ muscle weakness
▪ flaccid paralysis
*Cardiac*
▪ heart dysrhythmias (due to hyperkalemia)
▪ increased cardiac output
, ▪ EKG changes - tall T waves, wide QRS, prolonged PR interval.
Answer: S/S of Respiratory Acidosis
(acidosis has similar s/s no matter if met. or resp.)
◉ *stabilize airway (patent)*
*bronchodilators*
▪ O2
▪ Pulmonary hygiene (positioning and breathing/coughing
techniques)
▪ Suction PRN
▪ If on ventilation, increase ventilation rate.
▪ Endotracheal intubation
For underlying causes:
▪ Correct electrolyte balance (hyperkalemia)
▪ Antibiotics (if it's infection). Answer: Treatment for Respiratory
Acidosis
◉ ▪ increase respirations to increase pH. Answer: What does your
body do to compensate for respiratory acidosis?
◉ ▪ impaired gas exchange. Answer: Nursing Diagnosis for
Respiratory Acidosis
SOLUTIONS 2026
◉ Respiratory acidosis. Answer: What acid-base imbalance would
you expect to see in an asthmatic patient?
◉ *COPD*
*asthma*
*muscle weakness*
▪ inadequate chest expansion
▪ pneumonia
▪ pulmonary edema
▪ sleep apnea
▪ respiratory depression r/t: drugs, alcohol, anesthesia, electrolyte
imbalance
▪ high ICP. Answer: Common causes of Respiratory Acidosis
◉ *Vital Signs, think LOW & SLOW*
▪ bradycardia, thready weak pulses
▪ hypotension
▪ hypoxia
,*Electrolyte Imbalance*
▪ hyperkalemia
*Skin*
▪ pale, cyanotic
*CNS Depression, think LOW & SLOW*
▪ lethargy
▪ confusion
▪ stupor
▪ coma
▪ headache
*Musculoskeletal, think LOW & SLOW*
▪ hyporeflexia
▪ muscle weakness
▪ flaccid paralysis
*Cardiac*
▪ heart dysrhythmias (due to hyperkalemia)
▪ increased cardiac output
, ▪ EKG changes - tall T waves, wide QRS, prolonged PR interval.
Answer: S/S of Respiratory Acidosis
(acidosis has similar s/s no matter if met. or resp.)
◉ *stabilize airway (patent)*
*bronchodilators*
▪ O2
▪ Pulmonary hygiene (positioning and breathing/coughing
techniques)
▪ Suction PRN
▪ If on ventilation, increase ventilation rate.
▪ Endotracheal intubation
For underlying causes:
▪ Correct electrolyte balance (hyperkalemia)
▪ Antibiotics (if it's infection). Answer: Treatment for Respiratory
Acidosis
◉ ▪ increase respirations to increase pH. Answer: What does your
body do to compensate for respiratory acidosis?
◉ ▪ impaired gas exchange. Answer: Nursing Diagnosis for
Respiratory Acidosis
