A 44-year-old female patient has been admitted for an abdominal abscess and sepsis.
She has been on mechanical ventilatory support for the last 2 weeks and is due to start ventilator weaning today.
She is currently on pressure support of 25 cm water (H2O) with no mandatory breaths and a fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) of 35%. What should the nurse do next?

Set up supplemental oxygen delivery.

Increase the fraction of inspired oxygen.

Gather supplies for extubation.

Place a nasogastric tube.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale

Setting up supplemental oxygen delivery is not the immediate action the nurse should take. The patient’s FiO2 is currently at 35%, which is within the normal range.

Choice B rationale

Increasing the fraction of inspired oxygen is not necessary at this time. The patient’s current FiO2 is within the normal range.

Choice C rationale

The nurse should gather supplies for extubation. As the patient is due to start ventilator weaning, preparing for extubation is the next logical step. This involves having all necessary equipment and personnel ready for the procedure.

Choice D rationale

Placing a nasogastric tube is not the immediate action the nurse should take. While a nasogastric tube can be used to provide nutrition and medication, it is not directly related to the process of ventilator weaning.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Auscultating an area six inches below the umbilicus would not provide the most useful data when assessing for possible urinary retention. Auscultation is typically used to assess bowel sounds and not typically used in the assessment of urinary retention.

Choice B rationale

Observing the appearance of the patient’s urine can provide some information about the patient’s hydration status and kidney function, but it would not be the most useful technique for assessing urinary retention.

Choice C rationale

Palpating the area above the pubic symphysis can provide useful data when assessing for possible urinary retention. If the bladder is distended due to urinary retention, it may be palpable in this area.

Choice D rationale

Measuring the girth of the patient’s lower abdomen is not typically used as a method to assess for urinary retention. While an increase in abdominal girth can occur with urinary retention, it is not the most direct or reliable method for assessment.

A. Rhythm of the apical pulse. B. Volume of pedal pulses. C. Degree of skin elasticity. D. Length of capillary refill.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale

In a patient with a recent exacerbation of heart failure who is feeling uncomfortable and anxious, with a sensation of flopping in the chest, the rhythm of the apical pulse should be prioritized. This is because changes in heart rhythm can indicate worsening heart failure or other serious cardiac conditions.

Choice B rationale

While the volume of pedal pulses can provide information about peripheral circulation, it is not as immediately relevant as the rhythm of the apical pulse in a patient with heart failure experiencing discomfort and anxiety.

Choice C rationale

The degree of skin elasticity can provide information about hydration status, but it is not as immediately relevant as the rhythm of the apical pulse in a patient with heart failure experiencing discomfort and anxiety.

Choice D rationale

The length of capillary refill can provide information about peripheral circulation and overall cardiovascular status, but it is not as immediately relevant as the rhythm of the apical pulse in a patient with heart failure experiencing discomfort and anxiety.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which assessment technique would provide the most useful data when the nurse is concerned about possible urinary retention?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A patient with a recent exacerbation of heart failure is feeling uncomfortable and anxious, with a sensation of flopping in the chest.While waiting for an electrocardiogram (ECG), which assessment should the nurse prioritize?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client receives a prescription for heparin 900 units/hr IV. The IV bag contains heparin 25,000 units in 500 mL of 0.45% normal saline. How many mL/hr should the nurse program the infusion pump to deliver?

While preparing to administer a scheduled IV medication, a client complains of pain at the IV site and refuses a flush to assess the site.What should the nurse do next?

A patient with septic shock develops Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC). Which pathophysiological process should the nurse identify as the cause of the coagulation problem?

Which client statements require follow-up teaching by the nurse? Select all that apply.

A patient arrives at the emergency department experiencing chest pain after taking sildenafil.Based on the patient’s history, which medication should the nurse withhold?

A parent brings a 4-month-old infant to the clinic.The infant has had a runny nose, a slight fever, and a cough for the last two days.Which of the following findings should alert the nurse that the child is in acute respiratory distress?