CHAPTER 2 Respiratory System^121
- Confusion and restlessness due to hypoxemia
- Irritability due to hypoxemia
INTERPRETING TEST RESULTS
- Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) >50 mmHg shown in arterial blood gas
- pH of blood < 7.35 shows acidosis in arterial blood gas
TREATMENT
Treatment is focused on restoring appropriate ventilation, returning carbon diox-
ide levels to normal, and returning pH levels to normal.
- Give supplemental oxygen, monitoring flow rate to avoid excess oxygen to
those who have chronic pulmonary conditions. The chronic nature of the res-
piratory acidosis in these patients may have caused the internal respiratory
control to adjust in response to a decrease in oxygen level rather than an
increase in carbon dioxide level, which is always higher than normal. - Administer bronchodilators to open constricted airways:
- albuterol, metaproterenol, levalbuterol
- Administer medications as necessary to correct underlying disorder.
- Administer antibiotics as ordered as a result of the sensitivity test.
- Mechanical ventilation if necessary to support breathing.
- Treat underlying cause.
NURSING DIAGNOSES
- Ineffective breathing
- Fear
- Impaired gas exchange
NURSING INTERVENTION
- Monitor respiration for rate, effort, use of accessory muscles, skin color,
mucous production, and breath sounds. - Monitor blood chemistry—potassium, CO 2 , chloride