Questions: A patient with a chest wall abnormality is scheduled for a surgical intervention. The nurse would carefully monitor the patient's arterial blood gas readings to detect which condition? Metabolic acidosis Metabolic alkalosis Respiratory acidosis Respiratory alkalosis

The answer is the third one: Respiratory acidosis.

Explanation for each option:

1. Metabolic acidosis: This condition occurs when there is an excess of acid in the body due to metabolic processes, often related to kidney function or the accumulation of acids. It is not directly related to chest wall abnormalities, which primarily affect breathing and gas exchange.

2. Metabolic alkalosis: This condition is characterized by an excess of bicarbonate or a loss of acid in the body, often due to vomiting or diuretic use. Like metabolic acidosis, it is not directly related to respiratory issues caused by chest wall abnormalities.

3. Respiratory acidosis: This condition occurs when there is an accumulation of carbon dioxide in the blood due to inadequate ventilation. A chest wall abnormality can impair the mechanics of breathing, leading to hypoventilation and the retention of CO2, which results in respiratory acidosis. Therefore, this is the condition the nurse would most likely monitor for in a patient with a chest wall abnormality.

4. Respiratory alkalosis: This condition is caused by excessive ventilation, leading to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood. It is less likely to occur in patients with chest wall abnormalities, as these conditions typically restrict breathing rather than increase it.

In summary, the nurse would carefully monitor for respiratory acidosis in a patient with a chest wall abnormality, as this condition is directly related to impaired ventilation and gas exchange.