An adolescent arrives at the emergency department (ED) with a fever and persistent lower right quadrant abdominal pain. The patient is anxious, fearful, and hyperventilating. What acid-base imbalance does the nurse anticipate the patient will develop?

Choice A rationale Hyperventilation leads to a decrease in the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood. This causes the pH of the blood to increase, resulting in respiratory alkalosis. Choice B rationale Respiratory acidosis is caused by a buildup of CO2 in the blood, typically due to hypoventilation (under-breathing). This is not consistent with the patient’s symptoms of hyperventilation. Choice C rationale Metabolic alkalosis is typically caused by a significant loss of acid from the body, such as from prolonged vomiting. This is not consistent with the patient’s symptoms. Choice D rationale Metabolic acidosis is typically caused by an increase in acid production within the body or a loss of bicarbonate from the body, such as in diabetic ketoacidosis or kidney disease. This is not consistent with the patient’s symptoms.