QuestionAugust 15, 2025

The nurse is caring for a client with severe sepsis related to a ruptured appendix.The client is diaphoretic and reports lower extremity spasms The nurse observes respirations that are uneven and labored. Arterial blood gas (ABG) results are: pH 7.60,PaCO_(2)25mmHg,HCO_(3)24mEq/L and PaO_(2) 24 mmHg.Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse? Increased pulmonary secretions. Intercostal muscle retraction. Decreased breath sounds. Bronchovesicular breath sounds.

The nurse is caring for a client with severe sepsis related to a ruptured appendix.The client is diaphoretic and reports lower extremity spasms The nurse observes respirations that are uneven and labored. Arterial blood gas (ABG) results are: pH 7.60,PaCO_(2)25mmHg,HCO_(3)24mEq/L and PaO_(2) 24 mmHg.Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse? Increased pulmonary secretions. Intercostal muscle retraction. Decreased breath sounds. Bronchovesicular breath sounds.
The nurse is caring for a client with severe sepsis related to a
ruptured appendix.The client is diaphoretic and reports lower
extremity spasms The nurse observes respirations that are
uneven and labored. Arterial blood gas (ABG) results are: pH
7.60,PaCO_(2)25mmHg,HCO_(3)24mEq/L and PaO_(2) 24
mmHg.Which assessment finding warrants immediate
intervention by the nurse?
Increased pulmonary secretions.
Intercostal muscle retraction.
Decreased breath sounds.
Bronchovesicular breath sounds.

Solution
4.3(214 votes)

Answer

Intercostal muscle retraction. Explanation 1. Analyze ABG Results The pH is 7.60, indicating alkalosis. PaCO₂ is low (25 mmHg), suggesting respiratory alkalosis. PaO₂ is critically low (24 mmHg), indicating severe hypoxemia. 2. Identify Critical Symptoms Severe hypoxemia (PaO₂ 24 mmHg) requires immediate intervention. Intercostal muscle retraction indicates respiratory distress and potential failure. 3. Determine Immediate Intervention Intercostal muscle retraction signals significant respiratory effort and possible impending respiratory failure, needing urgent attention.

Explanation

1. Analyze ABG Results<br /> The pH is 7.60, indicating alkalosis. PaCO₂ is low (25 mmHg), suggesting respiratory alkalosis. PaO₂ is critically low (24 mmHg), indicating severe hypoxemia.<br />2. Identify Critical Symptoms<br /> Severe hypoxemia (PaO₂ 24 mmHg) requires immediate intervention. Intercostal muscle retraction indicates respiratory distress and potential failure.<br />3. Determine Immediate Intervention<br /> Intercostal muscle retraction signals significant respiratory effort and possible impending respiratory failure, needing urgent attention.
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