A charge nurse is speaking with the partner of a client. The partner states that the client is not receiving adequate care. Which of the following actions should the charge nurse take first to resolve the situation?

Choice A reason

Re-evaluate the client for an ET cuff leak is not appropriate. While an ET cuff leak could contribute to respiratory distress, the immediate concern is the high-pressure alarm, which indicates increased resistance to airflow. The nurse should address the alarm first and then assess for other potential causes, including an ET cuff leak.

Choice B reason:

Option B: Assess for disconnected tubing is not appropriate. A disconnected tubing is also a potential cause of the high-pressure alarm. However, before checking for disconnected tubing, the nurse should first deliver manual breaths with a resuscitation bag to provide the client with adequate ventilation.

Choice C reason:

Decrease the ventilator flow rate is not appropriate. Decreasing the ventilator flow rate might not be the appropriate action in this situation, as the high-pressure alarm indicates increased resistance, which might require increased flow to overcome. Additionally, the nurse should not delay taking immediate action by adjusting ventilator settings without knowing the specific cause of the high-pressure alarm.

Choice D reason:

When the high-pressure alarm is beeping, and the client is experiencing respiratory distress, it indicates that there is an increased resistance to airflow within the ventilator circuit or the client's airway. This can be a life-threatening situation, and immediate action is required.

A. This choice is correct because mental status changes, such as agitation, confusion, or delirium, are common signs of thyroid storm, which is a life-threatening complication of hyperthyroidism that occurs when there is excessive release of thyroid hormones.

B. This choice is incorrect because wound drainage is not a specific sign of thyroid storm, but rather a potential complication of any surgery that can indicate infection or bleeding.

C. This choice is correct because tachycardia, or increased heart rate, is a common sign of thyroid storm, which can result from increased metabolic demand and increased sensitivity to catecholamines.

D. This choice is incorrect because pain is not a specific sign of thyroid storm, but rather a common symptom of any surgery that can be managed with analgesics.

E. This choice is correct because hypertension, or increased blood pressure, is a common sign of thyroid storm, which can result from increased cardiac output and peripheral vascular resistance.

F. This choice is correct because hyperthermia, or increased temperature, is a common sign of thyroid storm, which can result from increased heat production and impaired heat dissipation.