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 A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Establish a patent oral airway: The airway is the highest priority in trauma care, following the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation). Without a patent airway, the client cannot oxygenate properly, which can quickly become life-threatening.
B. Remove the client's clothing: This helps with full-body assessment and prevention of missed injuries, but it should only be done after ensuring the client’s airway and breathing are stable.
C. Warm blood products prior to administration: While this helps prevent hypothermia during transfusion, warming blood is not the immediate priority in a trauma situation. Circulation support follows airway and breathing in priority.
D. Assign the client a score on the Glasgow Coma Scale: Neurological assessment is important but comes after airway stabilization. The GCS helps evaluate consciousness but should not delay securing the airway in an emergency.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. "I will drink half of a cup of fruit juice when I feel shaky and weak.": Shakiness and weakness are early signs of low blood glucose, and consuming 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate like ½ cup of fruit juice is an appropriate immediate response.
B. "I will soak my feet in water before applying lotion between my toes.": Diabetic clients should avoid soaking their feet due to the risk of skin maceration and infection. Lotion should not be applied between the toes, as this can promote fungal growth in a moist environment.
C. "I will skip a snack if I'm not hungry after lunch.": Skipping snacks can lead to hypoglycemia, especially if insulin has been administered. Even when not hungry, small carbohydrate intake may be necessary depending on the insulin regimen and activity level.
D. "I will only go without socks and shoes when I am in my home.": Diabetic clients should always wear protective footwear, even at home, to avoid undetected foot injuries that can lead to ulcers or infections due to impaired sensation and circulation.
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