Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) Practice Exam

When addressing respiratory acidosis, the primary concern is the accumulation of carbon dioxide due to inadequate ventilation, resulting in a decrease in blood pH. Supplemental oxygen is indicated in cases where hypoxia is present, as it can help improve oxygenation, but it is essential to note that while oxygen can enhance oxygen delivery to tissues, it does not directly address the underlying problem of excess carbon dioxide.

In instances of respiratory acidosis, the ventilation may need to be improved to promote better carbon dioxide elimination. However, when a patient is experiencing respiratory acidosis, administering oxygen can be an important initial step, particularly if the patient shows signs of hypoxemia.

Other treatments, such as bronchodilators, may be indicated if bronchospasm is a contributory factor, but they do not directly correct the acidosis. Increasing fluid intake is generally not relevant in managing respiratory acidosis, as it doesn't address either the ventilation or the underlying metabolic factors involved. Performing a tracheostomy is an invasive procedure reserved for specific cases of severe airway obstruction or chronic respiratory failure and is not a first-line treatment for acute respiratory acidosis.

Given these considerations, providing supplemental oxygen aligns with the treatment goals of correcting hypoxia while concurrently managing the consequences of respiratory