A nurse is caring for a client who has acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and requires mechanical ventilation. The client receives a prescription for pancuronium. The nurse recognizes that this medication is for which of the following purposes?

Choice A reason: Decrease respiratory secretions. This answer is incorrect because pancuronium does not have any effect on the production or clearance of respiratory secretions. This medication is not used to treat the pulmonary edema and inflammation that occur in ARDS.

Choice B reason: Induce sedation. This answer is incorrect because pancuronium does not have any sedative or analgesic properties. This medication does not affect the level of consciousness or pain perception of the client. A client who receives pancuronium should also receive adequate sedation and analgesia to prevent anxiety and discomfort.

Choice C reason: Suppress respiratory effort. This answer is correct because pancuronium is a neuromuscular blocker that inhibits the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscles, causing paralysis and relaxation. This medication is used to suppress the respiratory effort of the client and allow the mechanical ventilator to control the breathing.

Choice D reason: Decrease chest wall compliance. This answer is incorrect because pancuronium does not have any effect on the elasticity or stiffness of the chest wall. This medication is not used to treat the reduced lung compliance and increased airway resistance that occur in ARDS.

Choice A reason: The oral mucosa is the most reliable indicator of central cyanosis because it reflects the oxygen saturation of the arterial blood. Central cyanosis occurs when the arterial blood has a low oxygen saturation due to a cardiopulmonary problem. The oral mucosa is less affected by peripheral factors such as temperature, vasoconstriction, or skin pigmentation.

Choice B reason: The conjunctivae are not a reliable indicator of central cyanosis because they can be affected by other conditions such as anemia, jaundice, or eye infections. The conjunctivae are the thin membranes that cover the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids.

Choice C reason: The ear lobes are not a reliable indicator of central cyanosis because they can be affected by peripheral factors such as temperature, vasoconstriction, or skin pigmentation. The ear lobes are the fleshy lower part of the external ear.

Choice D reason: The soles of the feet are not a reliable indicator of central cyanosis because they can be affected by peripheral factors such as temperature, vasoconstriction, or skin pigmentation. The soles of the feet are the bottom part of the feet.