A nurse is assessing a client's pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP). The nurse should recognize that an elevated PAWP indicates which of the following complications?
Hypotension
Hypovolemia
Cardiogenic shock
Left ventricular failure
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale:
A. Hypotension: Hypotension is typically associated with decreased preload and low PAWP rather than elevated values. An elevated PAWP reflects increased pressure in the left heart, which does not occur with simple hypotension alone.
B. Hypovolemia: Hypovolemia leads to decreased circulating blood volume, reducing preload and PAWP. It is typically marked by low filling pressures, not elevated wedge pressures.
C. Cardiogenic shock: Although cardiogenic shock can be associated with elevated PAWP due to poor cardiac output and fluid backup, it is not as specific a marker as left ventricular failure, which directly affects PAWP.
D. Left ventricular failure: Elevated PAWP reflects increased pressure in the left atrium and pulmonary circulation, which is a hallmark of left-sided heart failure. This elevation occurs because the failing left ventricle cannot efficiently pump blood forward.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Establish a patent oral airway: The airway is the highest priority in trauma care, following the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation). Without a patent airway, the client cannot oxygenate properly, which can quickly become life-threatening.
B. Remove the client's clothing: This helps with full-body assessment and prevention of missed injuries, but it should only be done after ensuring the client’s airway and breathing are stable.
C. Warm blood products prior to administration: While this helps prevent hypothermia during transfusion, warming blood is not the immediate priority in a trauma situation. Circulation support follows airway and breathing in priority.
D. Assign the client a score on the Glasgow Coma Scale: Neurological assessment is important but comes after airway stabilization. The GCS helps evaluate consciousness but should not delay securing the airway in an emergency.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Ask an experienced nurse to assist with the procedure: Seeking guidance from an experienced nurse supports safe practice and skill development. It ensures the procedure is performed correctly while providing an opportunity for supervised learning, which is appropriate for a newly licensed nurse.
B. Delegate the task to an assistive personnel: Tracheal suctioning is a sterile and invasive procedure that requires the clinical judgment and skills of a registered nurse. It should not be delegated to assistive personnel who are not trained or licensed to perform such procedures.
C. Refuse to take the assignment: Refusing the assignment without attempting to seek help or learn is not a constructive or professional approach. Nurses are expected to seek support when performing unfamiliar but appropriate tasks within their role.
D. Identify that the task is in the scope of RN practice and perform the suctioning: While it is within the RN scope, performing a skill without training or supervision may compromise patient safety. Competence must be demonstrated or developed with supervision before performing independently.
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