A client receiving mechanical ventilation has a pH of 7.26, PaCO2 of 68 mm Hg, and a PaO2 of 92 mm Hg. Which intervention should the nurse implement?Reference Range:
Arterial Blood Gas (ABG)
pH [Adult/child: 7.35 to 7.45]
PaCO2 [Adult/child: 35 to 45 mm Hg)
HCO- [Adult/child: 21 to 28 mEq/L (21 to 28 mmol/L)] PaO2 [Adult/child: 80 to 100 mm Hg)

Increase rate of ventilation.

Decrease expiratory flow time.

Increase ventilator tidal volume.

Decrease expiratory pressure.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Rationale

A. The client's pH is low (acidotic), and the PaCO2 is high (respiratory acidosis). Increasing the rate of ventilation (respiratory rate) can help to decrease PaCO2 by increasing alveolar ventilation, thereby helping to correct respiratory acidosis.

B. Expiratory flow time affects the time available for exhalation. While this may affect the overall mechanics of ventilation, it is not directly targeting the primary issue of elevated PaCO2 and acidosis.

C. Increasing tidal volume increases the volume of air delivered with each breath. This can improve ventilation efficiency but may not address the underlying problem of elevated PaCO2 unless it leads to increased minute ventilation.

D. Expiratory pressure is related to positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), which helps maintain alveolar recruitment and improve oxygenation. Decreasing expiratory pressure may not directly address the elevated PaCO2 and acidosis.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["D","E"]

Explanation

A. Perform pulmonary function test
This is important for assessing lung function, but it is not an immediate priority during an acute exacerbation when the patient's oxygen saturation is low and they are experiencing respiratory distress.
Pulmonary function testing can be done once the patient's acute symptoms are stabilized.
B. Measure vital signs
While vital signs are important for ongoing assessment, the patient's vital signs were already assessed at admission and are being monitored every 4 hours as per orders.
Administering oxygen and albuterol to stabilize the patient's condition takes precedence over routine vital sign checks immediately after the initial assessment.
C. Provide a regular diet tray
This is a routine aspect of care and does not address the acute respiratory distress or hypoxemia that require immediate attention.
It can be done once the patient's respiratory status has stabilized.
D. Give albuterol as ordered
The patient is experiencing an asthma exacerbation with wheezing and subcostal retractions. Albuterol is a bronchodilator that helps relieve bronchospasm and improve airflow.
It was ordered for nebulization now and every 4 hours PRN (as needed) for wheezing.
Administering albuterol promptly is crucial to help alleviate respiratory distress and improve lung function.
E. Apply oxygen 1 L/minute
The patient's oxygen saturation is 91% on room air, which is below the target of greater than 94%. Oxygen therapy is indicated to correct hypoxemia and improve oxygen saturation.
The order specifies to titrate oxygen to keep saturation greater than 94%, starting at 1 L/minute via nasal cannula.

A. Nausea and headache. B. Watery diarrhea. C. Increased fatigue. D. Yellow-tinged sputum.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Rationale

A. Nausea and headache are common side effects of linezolid. While they can impact the client's comfort and adherence to treatment, they are generally not considered urgent or life-threatening unless severe or persistent.

B. Watery diarrhea is a significant concern with linezolid therapy, as it can indicate the development of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) or other types of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. CDI is a severe condition that requires prompt treatment to prevent complications such as dehydration, colitis, and potentially life-threatening outcomes like toxic megacolon.

C. Increased fatigue can be a nonspecific symptom and may result from various factors, including the underlying illness (nosocomial pneumonia), medication side effects, or the stress of hospitalization. While it should be monitored, it is typically not an immediate concern unless accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

D. Yellow-tinged sputum can indicate the presence of infection or inflammation in the respiratory tract, which is relevant in the context of nosocomial pneumonia. It could suggest a worsening of the pneumonia or a new infection. However, it is not typically directly associated with linezolid therapy itself.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exhibits After the nurse assesses the client, the healthcare provider writes prescriptions. The nurse reviews the prescriptions. Which 2 prescriptions should the nurse complete first?

Correct Answer is ["D","E"]

Explanation

In caring for a client who is receiving linezolid IV for nosocomial pneumonia, which assessment finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client with a recent exacerbation of heart failure reports to the nurse feeling uncomfortable and anxious, with a sensation of the flopping in the chest. While waiting for an electrocardiogram (ECG), which assessment is most important for the nurse to obtain?

Patient Data Exhibits Complete the diagram by dragging from the choices area to specify which condition the client is most likely experiencing, two actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and two parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client's progress,

While changing a client's postoperative dressing, the nurse observes purulent drainage at the site. Before reporting this finding to the healthcare provider, the nurse should note which of the client's laboratory values?

A client admitted with pneumonia and on bedrest has not had the strength to perform self care. Which assessment finding provides the nurse with the earliest indication that the client is developing a pressure injury?

When conducting diet teaching for a client who was diagnosed with hypertension, which food(s) should the nurse encourage the client to eat? Select all that apply.

When the nurse attempts to teach self-administration of insulin injections to a client who is newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM), the client tells the nurse in a loud voice to leave the room. Which action should the nurse take?

The charge nurse observes a new nurse preparing to irrigate an intravenous catheter. The new nurse brought a luer-lock tipped syringe. Which action should the charge nurse take?