A client is on mechanical ventilation and the client's spouse wonders why famotidine is needed since the client "only has lung problems." What response by the nurse is best?
It will prepare the gastrointestinal tract for enteral feedings.
It will increase the motility of the gastrointestinal tract.
It will keep the gastrointestinal tract functioning normally.
It will prevent ulcers from the stress of mechanical ventilation.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason:
While preparing the gastrointestinal tract for enteral feedings is important, it is not the primary reason for administering famotidine. Famotidine is typically used to reduce gastric acid production, not to prepare the GI tract for feedings.
Choice B reason:
Increasing the motility of the gastrointestinal tract is not the primary function of famotidine. Famotidine is an H2 receptor antagonist that works by decreasing the production of stomach acid.
Choice C reason:
Keeping the gastrointestinal tract functioning normally is a broad statement and does not specifically address the reason for administering famotidine. The drug's role in preventing stress ulcers is more relevant to the patient's current condition.
Choice D reason:
Famotidine is used to prevent stress ulcers, which can occur in critically ill patients, including those on mechanical ventilation. The stress of illness and mechanical ventilation increases the risk of developing gastric ulcers, and famotidine helps reduce this risk by decreasing gastric acid secretion.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
While an increased respiratory rate can indicate a compensatory response to shock, it does not directly measure tissue perfusion. It suggests the body is attempting to improve oxygen delivery, but it is not a definitive indicator of adequate tissue perfusion.
Choice B reason:
+1 pedal pulses can indicate decreased perfusion to the extremities, but they do not provide comprehensive information about overall tissue perfusion. Peripheral pulses can be weak in shock due to vasoconstriction and poor circulation, but they are not the most reliable indicator of tissue perfusion.
Choice C reason:
Body temperature is not a direct measure of tissue perfusion. While it is important to monitor, changes in temperature can result from various factors and do not specifically reflect the adequacy of tissue perfusion.
Choice D reason:
Urine output greater than 40 cc/hr is a key indicator of adequate tissue perfusion. The kidneys are highly sensitive to changes in perfusion, and adequate urine output suggests that the kidneys are receiving sufficient blood flow to filter and excrete waste products. Monitoring urine output is a standard practice in assessing tissue perfusion and overall fluid balance in shock patients.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Elevating the head of the bed and notifying the provider is the correct initial action when a patient with a spinal cord lesion at T4 experiences a significantly elevated blood pressure (190/100), headache, and flushing. These symptoms suggest autonomic dysreflexia, a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention. Elevating the head of the bed helps to lower blood pressure, and notifying the provider ensures that further medical treatment can be administered promptly.
Choice B reason:
Administering PRN Tylenol for the patient's headache is not the appropriate first action in this scenario. While Tylenol may help with the headache, it does not address the underlying cause of the elevated blood pressure and autonomic dysreflexia. Immediate intervention to lower blood pressure is critical to prevent complications.
Choice C reason:
Rechecking all of the patient's vital signs is important but not the priority action in this situation. The nurse should first take measures to lower the blood pressure and address the symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia by elevating the head of the bed and notifying the provider. Monitoring vital signs can be done concurrently, but it should not delay the immediate intervention required.
Choice D reason:
Elevating the patient's knees and lowering the head of the bed is contraindicated in this situation. Lowering the head of the bed can further increase intracranial pressure and exacerbate symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia. The proper position to help reduce blood pressure is to elevate the head of the bed.
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