A nurse is caring for a client who experienced sudden onset of dyspnea, tachycardia, oxygen saturation of 82%, and has been intubated with an endotracheal tube. The nurse should perform which priority action immediately after the tube is placed in the trachea?

Document how many inches the tube has been inserted.

Auscultate both lungs for the presence of breath sounds.

Secure the endotracheal tube to prevent dislodgement.

Obtain a chest x-ray to ensure correct tube placement.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Document how many inches the tube has been inserted: While documentation of the tube insertion depth is important, it is not the highest priority immediately after intubation. Ensuring proper placement and ventilation take precedence.

B. Auscultate both lungs for the presence of breath sounds: This is the priority action to confirm that the endotracheal tube is correctly placed in the trachea and that both lungs are being ventilated adequately. Absence of breath sounds on one side could indicate mainstem intubation or displacement of the tube.

C. Secure the endotracheal tube to prevent dislodgement: Securing the tube is important, but it should be done after confirming proper placement and ventilation.

D. Obtain a chest x-ray to ensure correct tube placement: While a chest x-ray is often performed after intubation to confirm tube placement, it is not the immediate priority. Auscultation provides more immediate feedback on the effectiveness of ventilation.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Tachypnea: Tachypnea, or rapid breathing, is a common symptom of pulmonary embolism. It occurs as the body attempts to compensate for decreased oxygenation and increased carbon dioxide levels resulting from impaired blood flow to the lungs. Tachypnea helps to improve gas exchange by increasing ventilation.

B. Wet cough: A wet or productive cough may occur in conditions such as pneumonia or chronic bronchitis but is not typically associated with pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism is more commonly characterized by symptoms such as dyspnea, chest pain, and tachypnea.

C. Dull chest pain: Chest pain associated with pulmonary embolism is often sharp and pleuritic, meaning it worsens with deep breathing or coughing. It may be described as stabbing or like a "knife-like" sensation. Dull chest pain is not a typical finding in pulmonary embolism.

D. Episodes of apnea: While severe cases of pulmonary embolism can lead to respiratory failure and apnea, it is not a common presenting symptom. Most clients with pulmonary embolism will exhibit tachypnea as a compensatory mechanism to maintain adequate oxygenation.

A. "After the surgery, I will have to be careful with heavy lifting for a few weeks." B. "I know that after the surgery, I will only have one testicle left." C. "I will have to take antibiotics as prescribed by my doctor to prevent infection." D. "I will need to avoid showering for a month after the surgery."

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. "After the surgery, I will have to be careful with heavy lifting for a few weeks": This statement demonstrates understanding of postoperative precautions, as heavy lifting can strain the surgical site and delay healing.

B. "I know that after the surgery, I will only have one testicle left": This statement indicates awareness of the surgical procedure and its potential outcomes, which is accurate.

C. "I will have to take antibiotics as prescribed by my doctor to prevent infection": This statement reflects understanding of the importance of antibiotic therapy to prevent postoperative infection, which is correct.

D. "I will need to avoid showering for a month after the surgery": This statement is incorrect.

Avoiding showering for a month after surgery is unnecessary and could lead to poor hygiene and potential complications such as infection. The client should be educated that showering is typically allowed after surgery, but they should avoid soaking the incision site in water until it has healed properly.

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A nurse is caring for a client who experienced sudden onset of dyspnea, tachycardia, oxygen saturation of 82%, and has been intubated with an endotracheal tube. The nurse should perform which priority action immediately after the tube is placed in the trachea?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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