A client experiencing respiratory acidosis as a result of pneumonitis

A client experiencing respiratory acidosis as a result of pneumonitis is likely to present with which of the following clinical signs? (Select all that apply.)

1. Tingling fingers
2. Difficult to arouse
3. Warm, flushed skin
4. Tremors in the hands
5. Reporting a “terrible headache”
6. Repeatedly asking “Where am I?”

ANSWER

ANS: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Physical examination of a client experiencing respiratory acidosis may reveal confusion, dizzi-ness, lethargy, headache, ventricular dysrhythmias, warm and flushed skin, muscular twitching, convulsions, and coma. The remaining option is not reflective of respiratory acidosis.