At 38 weeks’ gestation, a client is in active labor. She is using her Lamaze breathing techniques. The RN is coaching her breathing and encouraging her to relax and work with her contractions.
Which one of the following complaints by the client will alert the RN that she is beginning to hyperventilate with her breathing?
A . “I am cold.”
B . “I have a backache.”
C . “I feel dizzy.”
D . “I am nauseous.”
Answer: C
Explanation:
(A) Cold is not a symptom of hyperventilation. This could be due to the temperature of the room.
(B) Backache is not a symptom of hyperventilation. This is probably due to the gravid uterus and its effect on the back muscles, or it may be due to the client’s position in bed.
(C) Dizziness is the first symptom of hyperventilation. It occurs because the body is eliminating too much CO2.
(D) Nausea is not a symptom of hyperventilation. It could be a symptom of pain.
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