A nurse is caring for a client receiving mechanical ventilation via an endotracheal (ET) tube. The high-pressure alarm is beeping, and the client is experiencing respiratory distress. The nurse is unable to determine the cause of the alarm. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Re-evaluate the client for an ET cuff leak.
Assess for disconnected tubing.
Decrease the ventilator flow rate.
Deliver breaths manually with a resuscitation bag.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason
Re-evaluate the client for an ET cuff leak is not appropriate. While an ET cuff leak could contribute to respiratory distress, the immediate concern is the high-pressure alarm, which indicates increased resistance to airflow. The nurse should address the alarm first and then assess for other potential causes, including an ET cuff leak.
Choice B reason:
Option B: Assess for disconnected tubing is not appropriate. A disconnected tubing is also a potential cause of the high-pressure alarm. However, before checking for disconnected tubing, the nurse should first deliver manual breaths with a resuscitation bag to provide the client with adequate ventilation.
Choice C reason:
Decrease the ventilator flow rate is not appropriate. Decreasing the ventilator flow rate might not be the appropriate action in this situation, as the high-pressure alarm indicates increased resistance, which might require increased flow to overcome. Additionally, the nurse should not delay taking immediate action by adjusting ventilator settings without knowing the specific cause of the high-pressure alarm.
Choice D reason:
When the high-pressure alarm is beeping, and the client is experiencing respiratory distress, it indicates that there is an increased resistance to airflow within the ventilator circuit or the client's airway. This can be a life-threatening situation, and immediate action is required.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Urine specific gravity should not be reported by the nurse. While urine specific gravity is an important indicator of hydration status and kidney function, the provided information does not suggest any abnormalities in urinary output or signs of kidney issues. It is not the most critical finding to report in this scenario.
Choice B reason:
Prealbumin should not be reported by the nurse. Prealbumin is a protein used to assess nutritional status, but its significance in this situation is not apparent from the provided data. It may be relevant in other contexts, such as assessing malnutrition, but it does not directly address the current findings.
Choice C reason:
Temperature should not be reported by the nurse. The provided information does not include any data about the client's temperature, and there are no signs of infection mentioned. While temperature is an important vital sign, it is not relevant to the findings presented in this scenario.
Choice D reason
The nurse should report the "hypoactive bowel sounds upon auscultation" to the provider. Hypoactive bowel sounds can be a sign of gastrointestinal (GI) motility issues, which may indicate a potential problem with the client's digestive system. It could be due to various causes such as bowel obstruction, inflammation, or other GI disorders. Reporting this finding to the provider is essential so that appropriate assessments and interventions can be taken to address the client's condition.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason
"I can use natural-skin condoms to prevent sexually transmitted infections." This statement is incorrect. Natural-skin or lambskin condoms are not recommended for preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They may provide some protection against pregnancy but do not effectively protect against STIs. Clients should use latex or polyurethane condoms to reduce the risk of STIs.
Choice B reason
"I can use petroleum jelly as a lubricant with the condom." This statement is also incorrect. Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) and other oil-based lubricants can damage latex condoms, leading to a higher risk of breakage or failure. Clients should use water-based or silicone-based lubricants with latex or polyurethane condoms.
Choice C reason:
"I can re-use the condom one time after initial use." This statement is incorrect. Condoms are designed for single-use only. Reusing a condom increases the risk of breakage, failure, and the transmission of STIs or unwanted pregnancy. Clients should always use a new condom for each sexual act.
Choice D reason:
"I can store the condoms in the drawer of my nightstand." This statement is correct because it indicates that the client understands the proper storage of condoms. Storing condoms in a cool, dry place, such as a drawer or a condom case, helps protect them from damage or deterioration, ensuring they remain effective when needed.
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