A nurse is assessing a patient following the removal of the patient’s endotracheal tube. Which finding should the nurse report to the provider?
Crackles
Stridor
Strong cough
Deep breathing
The Correct Answer is B
Choice B rationale:
Stridor is a high-pitched, wheezing sound that is heard during inspiration. It is caused by a narrowing or obstruction of the upper airway. This can be a serious complication after extubation, as it can indicate that the patient is not able to breathe adequately. Stridor can be caused by a number of factors, including:
Laryngeal edema: This is swelling of the larynx, which can be caused by irritation from the endotracheal tube.
Laryngospasm: This is a sudden constriction of the muscles of the larynx, which can be caused by irritation or by a foreign body in the airway.
Vocal cord paralysis: This is a loss of movement of the vocal cords, which can be caused by damage to the nerves that control them.
Blood or secretions in the airway: These can obstruct the airway and cause stridor.
It is important for the nurse to report stridor to the provider immediately so that the cause can be identified and treated. Treatment may include:
Oxygen therapy: This can help to improve the patient's breathing.
Medications: These may be used to reduce inflammation or to relax the muscles of the airway. Reintubation: This may be necessary if the patient is not able to breathe adequately on their own.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale for Choice A:
Diuretics promote fluid loss, increasing the risk of fluid volume deficit.
Heart failure can lead to fluid retention, but diuretic therapy is often used to manage this excess fluid.
However, in this case, the patient is receiving diuretic therapy, which suggests that their fluid status is being actively managed.
Therefore, while this patient is at risk for fluid volume deficit, they are not the most likely candidate among the options presented.
Rationale for Choice B:
Gastroenteritis can lead to fluid loss through vomiting and diarrhea.
However, this patient is receiving oral fluids, which helps to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes.
As long as the patient is able to tolerate oral fluids and is not experiencing excessive fluid losses, they are not at significant risk for fluid volume deficit.
Rationale for Choice C:
End-stage kidney disease can impair the kidneys' ability to regulate fluid balance.
However, dialysis is a treatment that helps to remove excess fluid and waste products from the body.
Therefore, while this patient is at risk for fluid volume imbalances, they are receiving treatment to manage this risk.
Rationale for Choice D:
NPO status means that the patient has been instructed to have nothing by mouth. This means that the patient has not been able to consume any fluids since midnight.
Even in the absence of excessive fluid losses, this prolonged period of fluid restriction can lead to dehydration and fluid volume deficit.
Therefore, this patient is the most likely to be experiencing fluid volume deficit among the options presented.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Hypovolemic shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body loses a significant amount of blood or fluids, leading to a decrease in circulating blood volume. This can result in inadequate perfusion of organs and tissues, which can cause damage and even death if not treated promptly.
In this case, the athlete's symptoms and vital signs are consistent with hypovolemic shock. The athlete has been practicing twice a day in the heat, which can lead to significant fluid loss through sweating. The athlete is also dizzy, which is a common symptom of hypovolemia due to decreased blood flow to the brain. The athlete's blood pressure is low (100/2 mm Hg), pulse rate is elevated (100 beats/minute), and respiratory rate is increased (26 breaths/minute), all of which are compensatory mechanisms to try to maintain blood pressure and perfusion in the setting of hypovolemia. The athlete's skin is cool to touch
and pale in color, which is due to decreased blood flow to the skin. The athlete also does not remember the last voiding time, which may indicate decreased urine output, another sign of hypovolemia.
Key points supporting hypovolemic shock:
Significant fluid loss due to exercise in the heat Dizziness
Low blood pressure Elevated pulse rate Increased respiratory rate Cool, pale skin
Decreased urine output Additional details:
Hypovolemic shock can be caused by various factors, including:
Hemorrhage (blood loss) Severe dehydration Burns
Severe vomiting or diarrhea
Treatment for hypovolemic shock typically involves:
Intravenous fluid replacement to restore circulating blood volume Blood transfusion if the shock is due to hemorrhage
Oxygen therapy to support breathing
Medications to support blood pressure and heart function
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