Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

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What change in mental status may occur with respiratory failure?

Improvement due to oxygenation
No change observed
Changes attributable to stress response
Altered due to hypoxemia or acidosis

The correct answer is: Altered due to hypoxemia or acidosis

In cases of respiratory failure, the body struggles to maintain adequate oxygen levels and remove carbon dioxide effectively. This can lead to significant changes in mental status due to altered levels of oxygen in the blood (hypoxemia) and the accumulation of carbon dioxide, which causes respiratory acidosis. Hypoxemia can result in confusion, agitation, or lethargy as the brain is not receiving the necessary oxygen required for optimal function. Meanwhile, acidosis impacts the neurological status as well, leading to symptoms such as drowsiness, decreased consciousness, or even coma in severe cases. Together, these physiological changes can manifest as notable alterations in an individual's mental status. Therefore, recognizing that mental status changes due to hypoxemia or acidosis is crucial for nursing assessment and intervention in patients experiencing respiratory failure.