A nurse is assessing a client who has malnutrition. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A Reason:

Repositioning the client's left arm is incorrect. Repositioning the arm might help prevent kinks or occlusions in the tubing, but addressing the tubing connections comes first.

Choice B Reason:

Checking the IV site for redness is incorrect. Checking for redness is important to assess for signs of infection or inflammation, but it can wait until after addressing the tubing issue.

Choice C Reason:

Ensuring the tubing connections are secure is correct. When the infusion pump alarms, the first step is to ensure that the tubing connections are secure. A loose or disconnected tubing can lead to interrupted or inadequate infusion, which could affect the client's treatment and well-being. By checking and securing the tubing connections, the nurse can address any immediate issues related to the alarm.

Choice D Reason:

Flushing the IV catheter is incorrect - Flushing the catheter might be necessary if there are blockages or if medications need to be administered, but addressing the tubing connections is the immediate priority when the infusion pump alarms.

Choice A Reason:

To prevent alveolar collapse is the correct answer. Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is used in mechanical ventilation to prevent alveolar collapse during expiration. Alveolar collapse, also known as atelectasis, can occur when the alveoli (air sacs in the lungs) collapse and don't fully re-inflate during the breathing cycle. This can lead to impaired gas exchange and decreased lung compliance. By applying positive pressure to the airways at the end of expiration, PEEP helps keep the alveoli open and improves oxygenation by maintaining lung volume.

Choice B Reason:

Positive airway pressure during inspiration is typically provided by the inspiratory pressure support, not by PEEP.

Choice C Reason:

Tidal volume refers to the amount of air moved into and out of the lungs with each breath. It is not the purpose of PEEP.

Choice D Reason:

Controlling the rate of ventilations is usually achieved by adjusting the ventilator settings for respiratory rate, not by using PEEP.