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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Elevating the head of the bed 30 to 45 degrees helps prevent aspiration, which is a risk factor for ventilator-associated pneumonia.
B. Performing hand hygiene before touching the ventilator tubing is crucial to prevent the introduction of pathogens into the ventilator system.
C. Refraining from suctioning the client is incorrect; suctioning should be performed as needed to keep the airway clear.
D. Providing mouth care every 2-4 hours can reduce the risk of pathogens entering the lower respiratory tract.
E. Performing hand hygiene before touching the client reduces the risk of transmitting infectious agents to the client.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Check an apical pulse: Digoxin is known to cause toxicity, which can manifest as nausea, weakness, and anorexia. Bradycardia is a common sign of digoxin toxicity. Therefore, the nurse's first action should be to assess the client's apical pulse rate to determine if there are any signs of bradycardia, which could indicate digoxin toxicity.
B. Request a dietitian consult: While nutrition is important, the client's symptoms of nausea and weakness need immediate attention to rule out digoxin toxicity before considering dietary interventions.
C. Request an order for an antiemetic: Administering an antiemetic may be indicated if the client is experiencing nausea, but it's crucial to assess for digoxin toxicity first, as antiemetics may mask symptoms of toxicity.
D. Suggest that the client rests before eating the meal: Rest may be beneficial for the client, but addressing the potential cause of the symptoms, such as digoxin toxicity, takes priority
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