Care Manager Certification Practice Exam

What finding should the nurse expect when assessing a client with respiratory acidosis?

1. Abdominal pain.

2. Lethargy.

3. Dry skin.

4. Numbness of fingers.

The correct answer is: Lethargy.

In the context of respiratory acidosis, the expected finding of lethargy can be attributed to the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream, which occurs when the lungs are unable to remove adequate amounts of CO2. This buildup leads to an increase in carbonic acid, causing a decrease in blood pH and resulting in a state of acidosis. The nervous system is particularly sensitive to changes in pH levels; thus, the patient may exhibit signs of central nervous system depression, which manifests as lethargy, confusion, or decreased responsiveness. Abdominal pain, dry skin, and numbness of fingers are not primary or direct indicators of respiratory acidosis. While an overall state of illness can lead to changes in skin texture or sensations, these findings are not specifically characteristic of respiratory acidosis itself. Lethargy specifically correlates with the metabolic effects of sustained elevated carbon dioxide levels and is a more reliable indicator of the condition's impact on the client’s physiological state.