A nurse is caring for a client who has an endotracheal tube and is receiving mechanical ventilation. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to reduce the risk of ventilator associated pneumonia?
Position the head of the client’s bed in the flat position.
Brush the client’s teeth with a suction toothbrush every 12 hr.
Provide humidity by maintaining moisture within the ventilator tubing.
Turn the client every 4 hr.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Positioning the head of the client’s bed in the flat position is not a good way to reduce the risk of ventilator associated pneumonia. This position can increase the risk of aspiration of oral secretions or gastric contents into the lungs, which can cause infection. The nurse should elevate the head of the bed to 30 to 45 degrees to prevent aspiration and promote drainage of secretions.
Choice B reason: Brushing the client’s teeth with a suction toothbrush every 12 hr is an effective way to reduce the risk of ventilator associated pneumonia. Oral hygiene can reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth and prevent the formation of dental plaque, which can harbor pathogens that can cause pneumonia. The nurse should use a suction toothbrush to remove debris and secretions from the mouth and prevent them from entering the lungs.
Choice C reason: Providing humidity by maintaining moisture within the ventilator tubing is not a helpful way to reduce the risk of ventilator associated pneumonia. Humidity can increase the growth of bacteria and fungi in the ventilator circuit, which can contaminate the air delivered to the lungs. The nurse should change the ventilator tubing and filters regularly and use sterile water to fill the humidifier.
Choice D reason: Turning the client every 4 hr is not a sufficient way to reduce the risk of ventilator associated pneumonia. Turning can help prevent pressure ulcers and improve blood circulation, but it does not prevent the accumulation of secretions in the lungs, which can cause infection. The nurse should use chest physiotherapy, suctioning, and coughing techniques to mobilize and clear secretions from the airways.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Overflow incontinence is not the type of urinary incontinence that the client is experiencing. Overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder is overfilled and cannot empty properly, causing frequent or constant dribbling of urine. It can be caused by a blockage in the urinary tract, such as an enlarged prostate or a kidney stone, or by a weak bladder muscle that cannot contract enough to empty the bladder.
Choice B reason: Urge incontinence is not the type of urinary incontinence that the client is experiencing. Urge incontinence occurs when the bladder muscle contracts involuntarily and causes a sudden and strong urge to urinate, followed by an involuntary loss of urine. It can be caused by an infection, a neurological disorder, or an overactive bladder.
Choice C reason: Stress incontinence is not the type of urinary incontinence that the client is experiencing. Stress incontinence occurs when the pelvic floor muscles or the urethral sphincter are weakened or damaged and cannot hold urine in the bladder when there is increased abdominal pressure, such as from coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising. It can be caused by pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or surgery.
Choice D reason: Reflex incontinence is the type of urinary incontinence that the client is experiencing. Reflex incontinence occurs when the bladder muscle contracts without the sensation or control of the person, causing urine to leak without warning or awareness. It can be caused by nerve damage that affects the communication between the bladder and the brain, such as from a spinal cord injury, a stroke, or multiple sclerosis..
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: The client exhales as the medication is released from the inhaler. This action is incorrect because it wastes the medication and reduces its effectiveness. The client should exhale before using the inhaler, not during.
Choice B reason: The client waits 10 minutes between inhalations. This action is incorrect because it delays the relief of the asthma symptoms. The client should wait only one minute between inhalations, unless instructed otherwise by the doctor.
Choice C reason: The client holds his breath for 10 seconds after inhaling the medication. This action is correct because it allows the medication to reach the lungs and bronchial tubes more effectively and reduce the inflammation and constriction of the airways.
Choice D reason: The client takes a quick inhalation while releasing the medication from the inhaler. This action is incorrect because it can cause the medication to hit the back of the throat and not reach the lungs. The client should take a slow and deep inhalation while using the inhaler.
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