A client with a medical diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is being placed in the prone position. The nurse explains to family members that, "This will help improve ventilation by:
allowing undamaged areas in the lower part of the lungs to be ventilated."
relieving pressure on the diaphragm and allowing expansion."
decreasing pressure to the back of the rib cage."
snifting fluid into the back area of the lungs.'
The Correct Answer is A
A. Allowing undamaged areas in the lower part of the lungs to be ventilated: The prone position is commonly used in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) to improve oxygenation and ventilation. In ARDS, the lung tissue is often damaged, particularly in the dorsal (back) regions of the lungs, due to gravity and ventilation-perfusion mismatch. By placing the patient in the prone position, gravity helps redistribute the blood flow and improve ventilation to the posterior (lower) parts of the lungs, which are typically under-ventilated in the supine position. This positioning allows healthier or less-damaged areas of the lungs to receive better airflow, improving overall oxygenation.
B. Relieving pressure on the diaphragm and allowing expansion: While the prone position does shift pressure away from certain areas, its primary benefit is not related to relieving pressure on the diaphragm. The diaphragm, while somewhat affected by body position, is not the key structure being targeted for ventilation improvement. The main goal of prone positioning is to improve lung aeration in areas affected by ARDS, not directly to relieve diaphragm pressure.
C. Decreasing pressure to the back of the rib cage: The prone position does not specifically target reducing pressure to the back of the rib cage. Although it changes how pressure is distributed across the body, the main goal is to facilitate better ventilation and perfusion to the posterior lung regions, not necessarily to reduce pressure on the rib cage itself.
D. Sniffing fluid into the back area of the lungs: This option is unclear and not accurate. The prone position does not "sniff" fluid into the lungs; rather, it helps to redistribute fluid and improve the ventilation of the lung areas that are less affected by edema or inflammation in ARDS. The goal is to improve the ventilation/perfusion ratio and prevent further collapse of lung tissue.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Schedule activities late in the day and in the evening:
Scheduling activities late in the day is not an ideal approach for managing fatigue in clients with MS. Fatigue typically worsens as the day progresses, and clients with MS often experience more energy depletion in the late afternoon and evening. Therefore, the best time to schedule demanding activities is earlier in the day when the client may have more energy. Scheduling strenuous tasks late in the day may exacerbate fatigue and lead to physical and emotional exhaustion.
B. Provide supplemental oxygen when fatigued:
While oxygen therapy is appropriate for clients with respiratory issues or other conditions that affect oxygenation, it is not the most relevant intervention for addressing fatigue in MS. Fatigue in MS is primarily caused by neurological factors, muscle weakness, or impaired mobility, not by a lack of oxygen. The priority for MS-related fatigue is managing energy levels through activity planning and rest, not providing supplemental oxygen unless there is a specific indication of respiratory distress or hypoxia.
C. Teach the importance of hot showers to help relax:
Hot showers may help some individuals relax, but they are not the best intervention for managing fatigue in MS. In fact, heat can sometimes worsen symptoms in clients with MS, a phenomenon known as Uhthoff’s phenomenon, where heat increases neurological symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, or visual disturbances. It is important to educate clients to avoid overheating, which could exacerbate fatigue or other symptoms. Instead, clients should focus on rest, energy conservation, and temperature regulation.
D. Have the client prioritize activities for the day: Fatigue is a common and debilitating symptom in clients with multiple sclerosis (MS), and it can significantly affect their daily functioning. One of the most effective interventions for managing fatigue in MS is to encourage the client to prioritize activities and manage their energy levels throughout the day. By scheduling the most important or demanding tasks earlier in the day when energy levels tend to be higher, clients can conserve energy for essential activities. Additionally, teaching clients to break tasks into smaller, manageable steps and incorporating frequent rest periods can help minimize fatigue and prevent overexertion. Prioritizing activities ensures that the client is not overwhelmed and can still maintain independence while managing their symptoms effectively.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
A) Monitor the client's pulse oximetry every shift:
Monitoring pulse oximetry every shift is not sufficient when caring for a client on a ventilator. Pulse oximetry provides valuable information about oxygen saturation, but it should be checked more frequently, especially in a critically ill patient on a ventilator. Continuous monitoring may be required to ensure that oxygenation is maintained at optimal levels. The nurse should assess the pulse oximetry regularly and take immediate action if there is a significant change in the client’s oxygen saturation.
B) Assess the client's respiratory status at least every 1-2 hours:
It is essential to assess the client's respiratory status frequently when they are on a ventilator. Respiratory assessments should be performed at least every 1-2 hours to monitor for complications such as ventilator-associated pneumonia, changes in oxygenation, or the need for adjustments to the ventilator settings. Regular assessment is critical to detect early signs of deterioration and respond promptly.
C) Ensure that a manual resuscitation bag is at the bedside:
Having a manual resuscitation bag (e.g., Ambu bag) at the bedside is a critical intervention for clients on a ventilator. In case of ventilator malfunction, extubation, or respiratory distress, the nurse must have immediate access to a resuscitation bag to manually ventilate the patient. This is a lifesaving piece of equipment that should always be present and ready for use.
D) Check the ventilator settings every shift:
It is essential to check ventilator settings every shift to ensure that the ventilator is functioning correctly and providing the appropriate levels of support for the patient. This includes checking settings such as tidal volume, respiratory rate, pressure, and FiO2 (fraction of inspired oxygen) to ensure they are appropriate for the client's condition. Regular checks can help detect problems such as changes in settings or malfunctioning equipment.
E) Collaborate frequently with the respiratory therapist:
Frequent collaboration with the respiratory therapist is crucial when managing a client on a ventilator. Respiratory therapists are experts in ventilator management and can provide valuable insight into adjusting settings, interpreting ABGs, troubleshooting equipment issues, and optimizing respiratory care. Collaborative care helps ensure that the client is receiving the most appropriate interventions and adjustments for their respiratory status.
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