A nurse is caring for a client who is using a ventilator when the low-pressure ventilator alarm sounds. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Suction secretions from the endotracheal tube.
Check the ventilator tubing connections.
Administer intravenous sedation and analgesia.
Reassure the client and instruct them not to bite on the tube.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason:
Suctioning secretions from the endotracheal tube is a common intervention for high-pressure alarms, which indicate an obstruction in the airway. However, a low-pressure alarm typically signals a disconnection or leak in the ventilator system, not an obstruction.
Choice B Reason:
Checking the ventilator tubing connections is the appropriate response to a low-pressure alarm. This alarm usually indicates a disconnection or leak in the ventilator circuit, which can compromise the delivery of adequate ventilation to the patient. Ensuring all connections are secure is the first step in troubleshooting this issue.
Choice C Reason:
Administering intravenous sedation and analgesia is not directly related to addressing a low-pressure ventilator alarm. While sedation may be necessary for patient comfort and to prevent agitation, it does not resolve the underlying issue of a disconnection or leak in the ventilator system.
Choice D Reason:
Reassuring the client and instructing them not to bite on the tube is more relevant to high-pressure alarms, where patient actions such as biting the tube can cause increased airway resistance. It does not address the cause of a low-pressure alarm, which is typically due to a disconnection or leak.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH (below 7.35) and an elevated PaCO₂ (above 45 mm Hg). This condition occurs when there is an accumulation of carbon dioxide in the blood due to hypoventilation or impaired lung function. In this case, the client’s pH is elevated, and PaCO₂ is low, which does not align with respiratory acidosis.
Choice B Reason:
Respiratory alkalosis is indicated by a high pH (above 7.45) and a low PaCO₂ (below 35 mm Hg). This condition results from hyperventilation, which causes excessive exhalation of carbon dioxide. The client’s ABG results show a pH of 7.50 and a PaCO₂ of 29 mm Hg, consistent with respiratory alkalosis.
Choice C Reason:
Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH (below 7.35) and a low HCO₃ (below 21 mEq/L). This condition occurs due to an accumulation of acids or a loss of bicarbonate in the body. The client’s pH is elevated, and HCO₃ is within the normal range, which does not indicate metabolic acidosis.
Choice D Reason:
Metabolic alkalosis is indicated by a high pH (above 7.45) and a high HCO₃ (above 28 mEq/L). This condition results from an excess of bicarbonate or a loss of acids. The client’s pH is elevated, but HCO₃ is within the normal range, which does not support a diagnosis of metabolic alkalosis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
A distended, board-like abdomen is a critical finding that can indicate peritonitis, a severe complication of appendicitis. Peritonitis occurs when the appendix ruptures, leading to infection spreading throughout the abdominal cavity. This condition requires immediate medical intervention to prevent further complications and potential sepsis.
Choice B Reason:
A WBC count of 15,000/mm³ is elevated and suggests an infection, which is common in appendicitis. However, it is not as immediately critical as signs of peritonitis. Elevated WBC counts are expected in cases of appendicitis but do not necessarily indicate a life-threatening emergency.
Choice C Reason:
Rebound tenderness over McBurney’s point is a classic sign of appendicitis and indicates localized inflammation. While it is an important diagnostic sign, it does not require immediate reporting compared to signs of peritonitis.
Choice D Reason:
A temperature of 37.3°C (99.1°F) is only slightly elevated and does not indicate a severe infection or complication. Fever is a common symptom of appendicitis but is not as critical as a distended, board-like abdomen.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.