A client in the emergency department is experiencing an acute asthma exacerbation, which has not improved with albuterol nebulizer treatments. The client is obviously struggling to breathe. The nurse anticipates that intubation and mechanical ventilation will be needed based on which of the following assessment findings?

Tachycardia

Anxiety

Hypotension

Loud expiratory wheezing

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A.   Tachycardia (rapid heart rate) can occur in response to hypoxia (low oxygen levels), stress, or as a side effect of medications like albuterol. While tachycardia is a concerning sign in the context of an asthma exacerbation, it alone does not directly indicate the need for intubation and mechanical ventilation. It is often managed by addressing the underlying respiratory distress and improving oxygenation.
B.   Anxiety is common in patients struggling to breathe, as they may feel frightened or panicked due to their difficulty breathing. However, anxiety itself is not an indicator for intubation and mechanical ventilation. It is a symptom of respiratory distress but does not directly assess the severity of the physiological need for mechanical support.
C.   Hypotension (low blood pressure) in the context of an asthma exacerbation can be a sign of severe illness, possibly indicating shock or severe respiratory distress leading to reduced cardiac output. While hypotension is a serious concern, it is less directly related to the immediate need for intubation and mechanical ventilation compared to other indicators of respiratory failure.
D.   Loud expiratory wheezing indicates significant airway obstruction but does not necessarily reflect the need for intubation and mechanical ventilation. Wheezing can be a sign of severe asthma but may not be sufficient on its own to necessitate intubation if the patient can still maintain adequate oxygenation and ventilation.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. While corticosteroids are sometimes used in critical care settings, they are not specifically used to prevent stress ulcers. In fact, corticosteroids can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and may require additional measures to protect the stomach lining.
B. Enoxaparin is a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) used primarily for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). It works as an anticoagulant, preventing blood clots. While enoxaparin is important for preventing thromboembolic events in critically ill patients, it does not specifically address the prevention of stress ulcers.
C. Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces gastric acid production by inhibiting the proton pumps in the stomach lining. PPIs are commonly used to prevent and treat stress ulcers because they help decrease gastric acid secretion, thereby reducing the risk of ulcer formation and bleeding. This makes pantoprazole the appropriate medication to administer to prevent physiologic stress ulcers in a patient with sepsis on a ventilator.
D. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used for pain relief and inflammation. NSAIDs can actually increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulceration, especially in critically ill patients.

A. Phacoemulsification B. Extracapsular cataract extraction C. Cochlear implant D. Surgical iridectomy

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Phacoemulsification is a procedure used to remove cataracts from the eye. It involves using ultrasound waves to break up the cloudy lens (cataract) into small fragments, which are then suctioned out. While this procedure is relevant for cataract treatment, it does not address the acute management of angle-closure glaucoma.
B. Extracapsular cataract extraction is a surgical procedure to remove a cataract from the eye by making an incision and extracting the lens in one piece or in large segments. Like phacoemulsification, this procedure is focused on cataract removal and does not directly treat the underlying issue of acute angle-closure glaucoma.
C. A cochlear implant is a device used to provide a sense of sound to individuals with severe hearing loss or deafness. This procedure is unrelated to the treatment of eye conditions or intraocular pressure and therefore is not appropriate for managing primary angle-closure glaucoma.
D. Surgical iridectomy is a procedure specifically aimed at treating angle-closure glaucoma. It involves creating a small hole (iridectomy) in the peripheral iris to allow aqueous humor to flow from the posterior chamber of the eye to the anterior chamber, bypassing the obstructed drainage angle.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a patient with a diagnosis of sepsis who is on a ventilator in the intensive care unit. To reduce the risk of developing a physiologic stress ulcer, the nurse should anticipate an order to administer which medication?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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