Which condition should a nurse monitor for in a patient experiencing an aspirin overdose?

In the context of an aspirin overdose, monitoring for the onset of pulmonary edema is crucial due to the drug's potential effects on the body's acid-base balance and respiratory function. Aspirin, or acetylsalicylic acid, can lead to an increased production of carbonic acid and a disturbance in the respiratory center. When high levels of salicylate occur, it can cause metabolic acidosis, which leads to compensatory mechanisms regarding respiration, including potential pulmonary congestion or edema.

Patients may exhibit signs of pulmonary edema as a result of fluid overload or acute respiratory distress, making it essential for the nurse to observe for this condition. Such complications can arise due to the inflammatory response triggered by aspirin and its interference with normal metabolic processes.

Considering the other options, while respiratory depression is a concern with various overdose scenarios, it is not as directly correlated with aspirin as the risk of pulmonary edema is. Metabolic alkalosis is not typically a consequence of aspirin overdose; in fact, aspirin overdose often leads to metabolic acidosis. Symptoms mimicking Parkinson’s disease are not classic indications of aspirin toxicity and therefore are not a primary concern in this scenario.

Monitoring for pulmonary edema allows the nurse to act quickly and address any complications that arise from aspirin overdose, ensuring the