A nurse is caring for a client who has an endotracheal tube (ET) and is on mechanical ventilation. Which of the following actions should the nurse take for a ventilator alarm due to an increase in peak airway pressure? (Select all that apply.)
Check for a disconnection in the ventilator tubing.
Assess the ET for a cuff leak.
Verify the placement of the ET
Check for a kink in the ventilator tubing.
Suction the ET to remove secretions
Correct Answer : D,E
Rationale:
A. Check for a disconnection in the ventilator tubing: A disconnection typically causes a low-pressure alarm, not an increase in peak airway pressure, and would not be the appropriate first response in this case.
B. Assess the ET for a cuff leak: A cuff leak would decrease airway pressure, potentially causing a low-pressure alarm. It is not associated with increased peak airway pressure alarms.
C. Verify the placement of the ET: ET tube misplacement can lead to ventilation issues, but it does not directly cause increased peak pressures unless malposition leads to obstruction, which would be less common.
D. Check for a kink in the ventilator tubing: A kink or obstruction in the tubing increases airway resistance and can cause high peak airway pressure alarms. Resolving the kink can restore normal pressure.
E. Suction the ET to remove secretions: Mucus plugging or secretion buildup increases resistance in the airway, raising peak pressures. Suctioning helps alleviate the obstruction and reduce alarm triggers.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. A small area rug is placed at the front door: Area rugs increase the risk of falls, especially in older adults or clients with mobility issues. Rugs should be removed or secured with non-slip backing to prevent tripping hazards at entrances and high-traffic areas.
B. The water heater is set at 54° C (129.2° F): This temperature is too high and poses a significant risk for burns or scalding. The recommended maximum water heater setting for safety is 49° C (120° F), especially in homes with children or older adults.
C. The batteries in the smoke alarms are changed annually: Changing smoke alarm batteries once a year aligns with fire safety recommendations. Functioning smoke alarms are a critical part of home safety and fire prevention.
D. A single light fixture hangs along the sidewalk to the house: One light may not provide adequate visibility, especially in poor weather or at night. Multiple, evenly spaced light sources are more effective for preventing trips or falls along walkways.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. The client has a wound dressing saturated with sanguinous drainage after it was reinforced: Continued sanguineous drainage that saturates reinforced dressings just 2 hours post-op may indicate active bleeding or hemorrhage. This is an urgent finding that requires immediate provider notification for assessment and possible intervention.
B. The client reports a pain level of 2 on a 0 to 10 scale after administration of pain medication: A pain score of 2 reflects adequate pain control following intervention. This is an expected and desirable outcome and does not require provider notification.
C. The client has a urine output of 50 mL/hr after removal of the indwelling urinary catheter: A urine output of 50 mL/hr is within normal limits and suggests appropriate renal perfusion. No immediate action or provider notification is required based on this finding.
D. The client has an oxygen saturation level of 96% after oxygen 2 L/min via nasal cannula was applied: This oxygen saturation level indicates adequate oxygenation with supplemental oxygen and is within expected postoperative parameters.
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