Title: ASN 210 W1 ACID-BASE IMBALANCES
Course: 16SP-ASN-210-GH1A1-ADV NUR THROUGH LIFESPAN I

Q: A nurse assesses a client with diabetes mellitus who is admitted with an acid-base imbalance. The client’s arterial blood gas values are pH 7.36, PaO<sub>2</sub> 98 mm Hg, PaCO<sub>2</sub> 33 mm Hg, and HCO<sub>3</sub><sup>–</sup> 18 mEq/L. Which manifestation should the nurse identify as an example of the client’s compensation mechanism?
- Increased rate and depth of respirations
- Increased urinary output
- Increased thirst and hunger
- Increased release of acids from the kidneys
A: Increased rate and depth of respirations
If right: This client has metabolic acidosis. The respiratory system compensates by increasing its activity and blowing off excess carbon dioxide. Increased urinary output, thirst, and hunger are manifestations of hyperglycemia but are not compensatory mechanisms for acid-base imbalances. The kidneys do not release acids.
If wrong: This client has metabolic acidosis. The respiratory system compensates by increasing its activity and blowing off excess carbon dioxide. Increased urinary output, thirst, and hunger are manifestations of hyperglycemia but are not compensatory mechanisms for acid-base imbalances. The kidneys do not release acids.

Q: A nurse assesses a client who is experiencing an acid-base imbalance. The client’s arterial blood gas values are pH 7.34, PaO<sub>2 </sub>88 mm Hg, PaCO<sub>2</sub> 38 mm Hg, and HCO<sub>3</sub><sup>–</sup> 19 mEq/L. Which assessment should the nurse perform first?
- Cardiac rate and rhythm
- Skin and mucous membranes
- Musculoskeletal strength
- Level of orientation
A: Cardiac rate and rhythm
If right: Early cardiovascular changes for a client experiencing moderate acidosis include increased heart rate and cardiac output. As the acidosis worsens, the heart rate decreases and electrocardiographic changes will be present. Central nervous system and neuromuscular system changes do not occur with mild acidosis and should be monitored if the acidosis worsens. Skin and mucous membrane assessment is not a priority now, but will change as acidosis worsens.
If wrong: Early cardiovascular changes for a client experiencing moderate acidosis include increased heart rate and cardiac output. As the acidosis worsens, the heart rate decreases and electrocardiographic changes will be present. Central nervous system and neuromuscular system changes do not occur with mild acidosis and should be monitored if the acidosis worsens. Skin and mucous membrane assessment is not a priority now, but will change as acidosis worsens.

Q: A nurse assesses a client who is prescribed furosemide (Lasix) for hypertension. For which acid-base imbalance should the nurse assess to prevent complications of this therapy?
- Respiratory acidosis
- Respiratory alkalosis
- Metabolic acidosis
- Metabolic alkalosis
A: Metabolic alkalosis
If right: Many diuretics, especially loop diuretics, increase the excretion of hydrogen ions, leading to excess acid loss through the renal system. This situation is an acid deficit of metabolic origin.
If wrong: Many diuretics, especially loop diuretics, increase the excretion of hydrogen ions, leading to excess acid loss through the renal system. This situation is an acid deficit of metabolic origin.

Q: A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing moderate metabolic alkalosis. Which action should the nurse take?
- Monitor daily hemoglobin and hematocrit values.
- Administer furosemide (Lasix) intravenously.
- Encourage the client to take deep breaths.
- Teach the client fall prevention measures.
A: Teach the client fall prevention measures.
If right: The priority nursing care for a client who is experiencing moderate metabolic alkalosis is providing client safety. Clients with metabolic alkalosis have muscle weakness and are at risk for falling. The other nursing interventions are not appropriate for metabolic alkalosis.
If wrong: The priority nursing care for a client who is experiencing moderate metabolic alkalosis is providing client safety. Clients with metabolic alkalosis have muscle weakness and are at risk for falling. The other nursing interventions are not appropriate for metabolic alkalosis.

Q: A nurse is assessing a client who has acute pancreatitis and is at risk for an acid-base imbalance. For which manifestation of this acid-base imbalance should the nurse assess?
- Agitation
- Kussmaul respirations
- Seizures
- Positive Chvostek’s sign
A: Kussmaul respirations
If right: The pancreas is a major site of bicarbonate production. Pancreatitis can cause a relative metabolic acidosis through underproduction of bicarbonate ions. Manifestations of acidosis include lethargy and Kussmaul respirations. Agitation, seizures, and a positive Chvostek’s sign are manifestations of the electrolyte imbalances that accompany alkalosis.
If wrong: The pancreas is a major site of bicarbonate production. Pancreatitis can cause a relative metabolic acidosis through underproduction of bicarbonate ions. Manifestations of acidosis include lethargy and Kussmaul respirations. Agitation, seizures, and a positive Chvostek’s sign are manifestations of the electrolyte imbalances that accompany alkalosis.

Q: A nurse assesses a client who is admitted with an acid-base imbalance. The client’s arterial blood gas values are pH 7.32, PaO<sub>2 </sub>85 mm Hg, PaCO<sub>2</sub> 34 mm Hg, and HCO<sub>3</sub><sup>–</sup> 16 mEq/L. What action should the nurse take next?
- Assess client’s rate, rhythm, and depth of respiration.
- Measure the client’s pulse and blood pressure.
- Document the findings and continue to monitor.
- Notify the physician as soon as possible.
A: Assess client’s rate, rhythm, and depth of respiration.
If right: Progressive skeletal muscle weakness is associated with increasing severity of acidosis. Muscle weakness can lead to severe respiratory insufficiency. Acidosis does lead to dysrhythmias (due to hyperkalemia), but these would best be assessed with cardiac monitoring. Findings should be documented, but simply continuing to monitor is not sufficient. Before notifying the physician, the nurse must have more data to report.
If wrong: Progressive skeletal muscle weakness is associated with increasing severity of acidosis. Muscle weakness can lead to severe respiratory insufficiency. Acidosis does lead to dysrhythmias (due to hyperkalemia), but these would best be assessed with cardiac monitoring. Findings should be documented, but simply continuing to monitor is not sufficient. Before notifying the physician, the nurse must have more data to report.

Q: A nurse is caring for a client who has the following arterial blood values: pH 7.12, PaO<sub>2</sub> 56 mm Hg, PaCO<sub>2</sub> 65 mm Hg, and HCO<sub>3</sub><sup>–</sup> 22 mEq/L. Which clinical situation should the nurse correlate with these values?
- Diabetic ketoacidosis in a person with emphysema
- Bronchial obstruction related to aspiration of a hot dog
- Anxiety-induced hyperventilation in an adolescent
- Diarrhea for 36 hours in an older, frail woman
A: Bronchial obstruction related to aspiration of a hot dog
If right: Arterial blood gas values indicate that the client has acidosis with normal levels of bicarbonate, suggesting that the problem is not metabolic. Arterial concentrations of oxygen and carbon dioxide are abnormal, with low oxygen and high carbon dioxide levels. Thus, this client has respiratory acidosis from inadequate gas exchange. The fact that the bicarbonate level is normal indicates that this is an acute respiratory problem rather than a chronic problem, because no renal compensation has occurred.
If wrong: Arterial blood gas values indicate that the client has acidosis with normal levels of bicarbonate, suggesting that the problem is not metabolic. Arterial concentrations of oxygen and carbon dioxide are abnormal, with low oxygen and high carbon dioxide levels. Thus, this client has respiratory acidosis from inadequate gas exchange. The fact that the bicarbonate level is normal indicates that this is an acute respiratory problem rather than a chronic problem, because no renal compensation has occurred.

Q: A nurse is caring for a client who has just experienced a 90-second tonic-clonic seizure. The client’s arterial blood gas values are pH 6.88, PaO<sub>2</sub> 50 mm Hg, PaCO<sub>2</sub> 60 mm Hg, and HCO<sub>3</sub><sup>–</sup> 22 mEq/L. Which action should the nurse take first?
- Apply oxygen by mask or nasal cannula.
- Apply a paper bag over the client’s nose and mouth.
- Administer 50 mL of sodium bicarbonate intravenously.
- Administer 50 mL of 20% glucose and 20 units of regular insulin.
A: Apply oxygen by mask or nasal cannula.
If right: The client has experienced a combination of metabolic and acute respiratory acidosis through heavy skeletal muscle contractions and no gas exchange. When the seizures have stopped and the client can breathe again, the fastest way to return acid-base balance is to administer oxygen. Applying a paper bag over the client’s nose and mouth would worsen the acidosis. Sodium bicarbonate should not be administered because the client’s arterial bicarbonate level is normal. Glucose and insulin are administered together to decrease serum potassium levels. This action is not appropriate based on the information provided.
If wrong: The client has experienced a combination of metabolic and acute respiratory acidosis through heavy skeletal muscle contractions and no gas exchange. When the seizures have stopped and the client can breathe again, the fastest way to return acid-base balance is to administer oxygen. Applying a paper bag over the client’s nose and mouth would worsen the acidosis. Sodium bicarbonate should not be administered because the client’s arterial bicarbonate level is normal. Glucose and insulin are administered together to decrease serum potassium levels. This action is not appropriate based on the information provided.

Q: After teaching a client who was malnourished and is being discharged, a nurse assesses the client’s understanding. Which statement indicates the client correctly understood teaching to decrease risk for the development of metabolic acidosis?
- “I will drink at least three glasses of milk each day.”
- “I will eat three well-balanced meals and a snack daily.”
- “I will not take pain medication and antihistamines together.”
- “I will avoid salting my food when cooking or during meals.”
A: “I will eat three well-balanced meals and a snack daily.”
If right: Starvation or a diet with too few carbohydrates can lead to metabolic acidosis by forcing cells to switch to using fats for fuel and by creating ketoacids as a by-product of excessive fat metabolism. Eating sufficient calories from all food groups helps reduce this risk.
If wrong: Starvation or a diet with too few carbohydrates can lead to metabolic acidosis by forcing cells to switch to using fats for fuel and by creating ketoacids as a by-product of excessive fat metabolism. Eating sufficient calories from all food groups helps reduce this risk.

Q: A nurse evaluates the following arterial blood gas values in a client: pH 7.48, PaO<sub>2</sub> 98 mm Hg, PaCO<sub>2</sub> 28 mm Hg, and HCO<sub>3</sub><sup>–</sup> 22 mEq/L. Which client condition should the nurse correlate with these results?
- Diarrhea and vomiting for 36 hours
- Anxiety-induced hyperventilation
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Diabetic ketoacidosis and emphysema
A: Anxiety-induced hyperventilation
If right: The elevated pH level indicates alkalosis. The bicarbonate level is normal, and so is the oxygen partial pressure. Loss of carbon dioxide is the cause of the alkalosis, which would occur in response to hyperventilation. Diarrhea and vomiting would cause metabolic alterations, COPD would lead to respiratory acidosis, and the client with emphysema most likely would have combined metabolic acidosis on top of a mild, chronic respiratory acidosis.
If wrong: The elevated pH level indicates alkalosis. The bicarbonate level is normal, and so is the oxygen partial pressure. Loss of carbon dioxide is the cause of the alkalosis, which would occur in response to hyperventilation. Diarrhea and vomiting would cause metabolic alterations, COPD would lead to respiratory acidosis, and the client with emphysema most likely would have combined metabolic acidosis on top of a mild, chronic respiratory acidosis.

Q: After providing discharge teaching, a nurse assesses the client’s understanding regarding increased risk for metabolic alkalosis. Which statement indicates the client needs additional teaching?
- “I don’t drink milk because it gives me gas and diarrhea.”
- “I have been taking digoxin every day for the last 15 years.”
- “I take sodium bicarbonate after every meal to prevent heartburn.”
- “In hot weather, I sweat so much that I drink six glasses of water each day.”
A: “I take sodium bicarbonate after every meal to prevent heartburn.”
If right: Excessive oral ingestion of sodium bicarbonate and other bicarbonate-based antacids can cause metabolic alkalosis. Avoiding milk, taking digoxin, and sweating would not lead to increased risk of metabolic alkalosis.
If wrong: Excessive oral ingestion of sodium bicarbonate and other bicarbonate-based antacids can cause metabolic alkalosis. Avoiding milk, taking digoxin, and sweating would not lead to increased risk of metabolic alkalosis.

Q: A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing excessive diarrhea. The client’s arterial blood gas values are pH 7.28, PaO<sub>2</sub> 98 mm Hg, PaCO<sub>2</sub> 45 mm Hg, and HCO<sub>3</sub><sup>–</sup> 16 mEq/L. Which provider order should the nurse expect to receive?
- Furosemide (Lasix) 40 mg intravenous push
- Sodium bicarbonate 100 mEq diluted in 1 L of D<sub>5</sub>W
- Mechanical ventilation
- Indwelling urinary catheter
A: Sodium bicarbonate 100 mEq diluted in 1 L of D<sub>5</sub>W
If right: This client’s arterial blood gas values represent metabolic acidosis related to a loss of bicarbonate ions from diarrhea. The bicarbonate should be replaced to help restore this client’s acid-base balance. Furosemide would cause an increase in acid fluid and acid elimination via the urinary tract; although this may improve the client’s pH, the client has excessive diarrhea and cannot afford to lose more fluid. Mechanical ventilation is used to treat respiratory acidosis for clients who cannot keep their oxygen saturation at 90%, or who have respirator muscle fatigue. Mechanical ventilation and an indwelling urinary catheter would not be prescribed for this client.
If wrong: This client’s arterial blood gas values represent metabolic acidosis related to a loss of bicarbonate ions from diarrhea. The bicarbonate should be replaced to help restore this client’s acid-base balance. Furosemide would cause an increase in acid fluid and acid elimination via the urinary tract; although this may improve the client’s pH, the client has excessive diarrhea and cannot afford to lose more fluid. Mechanical ventilation is used to treat respiratory acidosis for clients who cannot keep their oxygen saturation at 90%, or who have respirator muscle fatigue. Mechanical ventilation and an indwelling urinary catheter would not be prescribed for this client.

Q: A nurse evaluates a client’s arterial blood gas values (ABGs): pH 7.30, PaO<sub>2</sub> 86 mm Hg, PaCO<sub>2</sub> 55 mm Hg, and HCO<sub>3</sub><sup>–</sup> 22 mEq/L. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- Assess the airway.
- Administer prescribed bronchodilators.
- Provide oxygen.
- Administer prescribed mucolytics.
A: Assess the airway.
If right: All interventions are important for clients with respiratory acidosis; this is indicated by the ABGs. However, the priority is assessing and maintaining an airway. Without a patent airway, other interventions will not be helpful.
If wrong: All interventions are important for clients with respiratory acidosis; this is indicated by the ABGs. However, the priority is assessing and maintaining an airway. Without a patent airway, other interventions will not be helpful.

Q: A nurse is planning care for a client who is hyperventilating. The client’s arterial blood gas values are pH 7.30, PaO<sub>2</sub> 94 mm Hg, PaCO<sub>2</sub> 31 mm Hg, and HCO<sub>3</sub><sup>–</sup> 26 mEq/L. Which question should the nurse ask when developing this client’s plan of care?
- “Do you take any over-the-counter medications?”
- “You appear anxious. What is causing your distress?”
- “Do you have a history of anxiety attacks?”
- “You are breathing fast. Is this causing you to feel light-headed?
A: “You appear anxious. What is causing your distress?”
If right: The nurse should assist the client who is experiencing anxiety-induced respiratory alkalosis to identify causes of the anxiety. The other questions will not identify the cause of the acid-base imbalance.
If wrong: The nurse should assist the client who is experiencing anxiety-induced respiratory alkalosis to identify causes of the anxiety. The other questions will not identify the cause of the acid-base imbalance.

Q: A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic emphysema and is receiving oxygen therapy at 6 L/min via nasal cannula. The following clinical data are available:<br><div style="font-size:2pt"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="72%" border="1"><tr valign="top"><td><div style="text-align:center"><b>Arterial Blood Gases</b></div></td><td><div style="text-align:center"><b>Vital Signs</b></div></td></tr><tr valign="top"><td>pH = 7.28</td><td>Pulse rate = 96 beats/min</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td>PaO<sub>2</sub> = 85 mm Hg</td><td>Blood pressure = 135/45</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td>PaCO<sub>2</sub> = 55 mm Hg</td><td>Respiratory rate = 6 breaths/min</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td>HCO<sub>3</sub><sup>–</sup> = 26 mEq/L</td><td>O<sub>2 </sub>saturation = 88%</td></tr><tr height="0" style="border:none"><td width="48%"></td><td width="52%"></td></tr></table>Which action should the nurse take first?
- Notify the Rapid Response Team and provide ventilation support.
- Change the nasal cannula to a mask and reassess in 10 minutes.
- Place the client in Fowler’s position if he or she is able to tolerate it.
- Decrease the flow rate of oxygen to 2 to 4 L/min, and reassess.
A: Notify the Rapid Response Team and provide ventilation support.
If right: The primary trigger for respiration in a client with chronic respiratory acidosis is a decreased arterial oxygen level (hypoxic drive). Oxygen therapy can inhibit respiratory efforts in this case, eventually causing respiratory arrest and death. The nurse could decrease the oxygen flow rate; eventually, this might improve the client’s respiratory rate, but the priority action would be to call the Rapid Response Team whenever a client with chronic carbon dioxide retention has a respiratory rate less than 10 breaths/min. Changing the cannula to a mask does nothing to improve the client’s hypoxic drive, nor would it address the client’s most pressing need. Positioning will not help the client breathe at a normal rate or maintain client safety.
If wrong: The primary trigger for respiration in a client with chronic respiratory acidosis is a decreased arterial oxygen level (hypoxic drive). Oxygen therapy can inhibit respiratory efforts in this case, eventually causing respiratory arrest and death. The nurse could decrease the oxygen flow rate; eventually, this might improve the client’s respiratory rate, but the priority action would be to call the Rapid Response Team whenever a client with chronic carbon dioxide retention has a respiratory rate less than 10 breaths/min. Changing the cannula to a mask does nothing to improve the client’s hypoxic drive, nor would it address the client’s most pressing need. Positioning will not help the client breathe at a normal rate or maintain client safety.

Q: A nurse is planning interventions that regulate acid-base balance to ensure the pH of a client’s blood remains within the normal range. Which abnormal physiologic functions may occur if the client experiences an acid-base imbalance? <b>(Select all that apply.)</b>
- Reduction in the function of hormones
- Fluid and electrolyte imbalances
- Increase in the function of selected enzymes
- Excitable cardiac muscle membranes
- Increase in the effectiveness of many drugs
A: Reduction in the function of hormones; Fluid and electrolyte imbalances; Increase in the effectiveness of many drugs
If right: Acid-base imbalances interfere with normal physiology, including reducing the function of hormones and enzymes, causing fluid and electrolyte imbalances, making heart membranes more excitable, and decreasing the effectiveness of many drugs.
If wrong: Acid-base imbalances interfere with normal physiology, including reducing the function of hormones and enzymes, causing fluid and electrolyte imbalances, making heart membranes more excitable, and decreasing the effectiveness of many drugs.

Q: A nurse assesses a client who is experiencing an acid-base imbalance. The client’s arterial blood gas values are pH 7.32, PaO<sub>2</sub> 94 mm Hg, PaCO<sub>2</sub> 34 mm Hg, and HCO<sub>3</sub><sup>–</sup> 18 mEq/L. For which clinical manifestations should the nurse assess? <b>(Select all that apply.)</b>
- Reduced deep tendon reflexes
- Drowsiness
- Increased respiratory rate
- Decreased urinary output
- Positive Trousseau’s sign
A: Reduced deep tendon reflexes; Drowsiness; Increased respiratory rate
If right: Metabolic acidosis causes neuromuscular changes, including reduced muscle tone and deep tendon reflexes. Clients usually present with lethargy and drowsiness. The respiratory system will attempt to compensate for the metabolic acidosis; therefore, respirations will increase rate and depth. A positive Trousseau’s sign is associated with alkalosis. Decreased urine output is not a manifestation of metabolic acidosis.
If wrong: Metabolic acidosis causes neuromuscular changes, including reduced muscle tone and deep tendon reflexes. Clients usually present with lethargy and drowsiness. The respiratory system will attempt to compensate for the metabolic acidosis; therefore, respirations will increase rate and depth. A positive Trousseau’s sign is associated with alkalosis. Decreased urine output is not a manifestation of metabolic acidosis.

Q: A nurse is assessing clients who are at risk for acid-base imbalance. Which clients are correctly paired with the acid-base imbalance? <b>(Select all that apply.)</b>
- Metabolic alkalosis – Young adult who is prescribed intravenous morphine sulfate for pain
- Metabolic acidosis – Older adult who is following a carbohydrate-free diet
- Respiratory alkalosis – Client on mechanical ventilation at a rate of 28 breaths/min
- Respiratory acidosis – Postoperative client who received 6 units of packed red blood cells
- Metabolic alkalosis – Older client prescribed antacids for gastroesophageal reflux disease
A: Metabolic acidosis – Older adult who is following a carbohydrate-free diet; Respiratory alkalosis – Client on mechanical ventilation at a rate of 28 breaths/min; Metabolic alkalosis – Older client prescribed antacids for gastroesophageal reflux disease
If right: Respiratory acidosis often occurs as the result of underventilation. The client who is taking opioids, especially IV opioids, is at risk for respiratory depression and respiratory acidosis. One cause of metabolic acidosis is a strict low-calorie diet or one that is low in carbohydrate content. Such a diet increases the rate of fat catabolism and results in the formation of excessive ketoacids. A ventilator set at a high respiratory rate or tidal volume will cause the client to lose too much carbon dioxide, leading to an acid deficit and respiratory alkalosis. Citrate is a substance used as a preservative in blood products. It is not only a base, it is also a precursor for bicarbonate. Multiple units of packed red blood cells could cause metabolic alkalosis. Sodium bicarbonate antacids may increase the risk of metabolic alkalosis.
If wrong: Respiratory acidosis often occurs as the result of underventilation. The client who is taking opioids, especially IV opioids, is at risk for respiratory depression and respiratory acidosis. One cause of metabolic acidosis is a strict low-calorie diet or one that is low in carbohydrate content. Such a diet increases the rate of fat catabolism and results in the formation of excessive ketoacids. A ventilator set at a high respiratory rate or tidal volume will cause the client to lose too much carbon dioxide, leading to an acid deficit and respiratory alkalosis. Citrate is a substance used as a preservative in blood products. It is not only a base, it is also a precursor for bicarbonate. Multiple units of packed red blood cells could cause metabolic alkalosis. Sodium bicarbonate antacids may increase the risk of metabolic alkalosis.

Q: A nurse assesses a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition. For which adverse effects related to an acid-base imbalance should the nurse assess? <b>(Select all that apply.)</b>
- Positive Chvostek’s sign
- Elevated blood pressure
- Bradycardia
- Increased muscle strength
- Anxiety and irritability
A: Positive Chvostek’s sign; Anxiety and irritability
If right: A client receiving total parenteral nutrition is at risk for metabolic alkalosis. Manifestations of metabolic alkalosis include positive Chvostek’s sign, normal or low blood pressure, increased heart rate, skeletal muscle weakness, and anxiety and irritability.
If wrong: A client receiving total parenteral nutrition is at risk for metabolic alkalosis. Manifestations of metabolic alkalosis include positive Chvostek’s sign, normal or low blood pressure, increased heart rate, skeletal muscle weakness, and anxiety and irritability.

Q: A nurse is planning care for a client who is anxious and irritable. The client’s arterial blood gas values are pH 7.30, PaO<sub>2</sub> 96 mm Hg, PaCO<sub>2</sub> 43 mm Hg, and HCO<sub>3</sub><sup>–</sup> 19 mEq/L. Which questions should the nurse ask the client and spouse when developing the plan of care? <b>(Select all that apply.)</b>
- “Are you taking any antacid medications?”
- “Is your spouse’s current behavior typical?”
- “Do you drink any alcoholic beverages?”
- “Have you been experiencing any vomiting?”
- “Are you experiencing any shortness of breath?”
A: “Is your spouse’s current behavior typical?”; “Do you drink any alcoholic beverages?”
If right: This client’s symptoms of anxiety and irritability are related to a state of metabolic acidosis. The nurse should ask the client’s spouse or family members if the client’s behavior is typical for him or her, and establish a baseline for comparison with later assessment findings. The nurse should also assess for alcohol intake because alcohol can change a client’s personality and cause metabolic acidosis. The other options are not causes of metabolic acidosis.
If wrong: This client’s symptoms of anxiety and irritability are related to a state of metabolic acidosis. The nurse should ask the client’s spouse or family members if the client’s behavior is typical for him or her, and establish a baseline for comparison with later assessment findings. The nurse should also assess for alcohol intake because alcohol can change a client’s personality and cause metabolic acidosis. The other options are not causes of metabolic acidosis.