A nurse is caring for a client who has a central venous catheter and suddenly develops chest pain, dyspnea, dizziness, and tachycardia. The nurse suspects air embolism and clamps the catheter immediately. What other action should the nurse take at this time?

Remove the catheter.

Replace the infusion system.

Prepare for chest tube insertion.

Place the client on his left side in Trendelenburg position.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Remove the catheter: Removing the catheter may not be the immediate priority. The nurse should focus on preventing further air entry into the circulation and addressing the symptoms.

B. Replace the infusion system: While ensuring that the infusion system is intact is important, it is not the primary action needed to manage an air embolism.

C. Prepare for chest tube insertion: Chest tube insertion is not the primary intervention for an air embolism. The focus should be on preventing the progression of the embolism and providing supportive care.

D. Place the client on his left side in Trendelenburg position: This is the correct answer. Placing the client on the left side in Trendelenburg position is a maneuver used to trap air in the right atrium, preventing it from traveling to the pulmonary artery. The left side position helps to prevent the air from traveling to the right ventricle and into the pulmonary artery, reducing the risk of further complications.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

pH 7.22: Indicates acidosis (normal range: 7.35-7.45).

PaCO2 68 mm Hg: Elevated partial pressure of carbon dioxide, suggesting respiratory acidosis (normal range: 35-45 mm Hg).

Base excess -2: Indicates a mild metabolic acidosis.

PaO2 78 mm Hg: Within the normal range (80-100 mm Hg), indicating adequate oxygenation.

Saturation 80%: Below the normal range (95-100%), suggesting some degree of hypoxemia.

Bicarbonate 26 mEq/L: Elevated bicarbonate levels, suggesting metabolic compensation for the respiratory acidosis.

Therefore, the client is experiencing respiratory acidosis with partial metabolic compensation (mild metabolic acidosis).

A. Cellular hypoxia B. Prolonged bleeding C. Impaired immunity D. Fluid retention

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Cellular hypoxia: Hemoglobin carries oxygen to the body's tissues. A low hemoglobin level, as well as a low hematocrit, indicates a reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, putting the client at risk for cellular hypoxia. Symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.

B. Prolonged bleeding: Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are not directly indicative of a risk of prolonged bleeding. Prolonged bleeding is more related to platelet function and clotting factors.

C. Impaired immunity: Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are not directly indicative of impaired immunity. Immune function is more closely associated with white blood cell count and function.

D. Fluid retention: Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are not directly associated with fluid retention. Fluid retention is more related to factors such as sodium balance and kidney function.

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A nurse is caring for a client who has a central venous catheter and suddenly develops chest pain, dyspnea, dizziness, and tachycardia. The nurse suspects air embolism and clamps the catheter immediately. What other action should the nurse take at this time?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client is admitted to the emergency room with a respiratory rate of 7/min. Arterial blood gases (ABG) reveal the following values. Which of the following is an appropriate analysis of the ABGs? pH 7.22 PaCO2 68 mm Hg Base excess -2 PaO2 78 mm Hg Saturation 80% Bicarbonate 26 mEq/L

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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