A nurse is caring for a patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) who is receiving mechanical ventilation using synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV). The settings include fraction of inspired oxygen (FIO2) of 80%, tidal volume of 450, rate of 16/minute, and positive end- expiratory pressure (PEEP) of 5 cm. Which assessment finding is most important for the nurse to report to the health care provider?

Respiratory rate 22 breaths/min

Heart rate 106 beats/min

02 saturation of 99%

Crackles audible at lung bases

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

D Crackles audible at the lung bases indicate the presence of pulmonary edema or fluid accumulation in the alveoli, which can compromise gas exchange and exacerbate respiratory distress. In a patient with ARDS, crackles suggest worsening pulmonary status and may indicate inadequate ventilation or oxygenation despite mechanical ventilation. Therefore, crackles at the lung bases are the most important finding to report to the healthcare provider as they may indicate a need for adjustments to the ventilator settings or additional interventions to optimize respiratory function and prevent further deterioration.

A respiratory rate of 22 breaths/min may be within an acceptable range, particularly considering that the patient is receiving mechanical ventilation. However, any significant deviation from the baseline respiratory rate or signs of respiratory distress, such as increased work of breathing or accessory muscle use, should be closely monitored and reported promptly.

B A heart rate of 106 beats/min may be within an acceptable range, although it is slightly elevated. Tachycardia can occur due to various factors, including pain, anxiety, fever, or hypoxemia. While tachycardia warrants close monitoring, it may not be the most critical finding to report unless it is associated with hemodynamic instability or other concerning symptoms.

C An oxygen saturation of 99% indicates adequate oxygenation, which is reassuring, particularly in a patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, oxygen saturation alone may not reflect the adequacy of ventilation or the severity of the underlying lung injury. Therefore, while oxygen saturation should be monitored closely, it may not be the most critical finding to report unless it declines significantly or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

D. A pulmonary artery catheter is used to monitor hemodynamic status. It provides valuable information about cardiac function, preload, afterload, and cardiac output. By measuring parameters such as pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary artery wedge pressure, and central venous pressure, a pulmonary artery catheter helps assess the effectiveness of cardiac function and guide management in critically ill patients, especially those with conditions such as heart failure, shock, or pulmonary hypertension.

A. A pulmonary artery catheter, also known as a Swan-Ganz catheter, is not used to monitor intracranial pressure. Instead, it is primarily used to assess hemodynamic status and cardiac function by measuring parameters such as pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary artery wedge pressure, central venous pressure, and cardiac output.

B. A pulmonary artery catheter is not used to directly monitor renal function. While changes in hemodynamic status can impact renal perfusion and function, the primary purpose of a pulmonary artery catheter is to assess cardiac function and hemodynamics, rather than renal function.

C. A pulmonary artery catheter is not used to monitor spinal cord perfusion. Although alterations in hemodynamic status can affect spinal cord perfusion indirectly, the main purpose of a pulmonary artery catheter is to evaluate cardiac function and hemodynamics.

A. Isosorbide PO B. Nitroglycerin Drip C. Dopamine drip D. Normal Saline Bolus

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

D Normal saline bolus administration is indicated for hypovolemia or inadequate intravascular volume, which can lead to decreased cardiac output and hypotension. In this scenario, the client has an amber urine output of 45ml in the last 3 hours, indicating decreased urine output and potential hypovolemia. The elevated blood pressure (170/67 mmHg) suggests possible volume overload or fluid retention, but the decreased urine output raises concerns for inadequate intravascular volume. Therefore, administering a normal saline bolus may be the first priority to optimize intravascular volume and improve cardiac output.

A Isosorbide mononitrate is a vasodilator commonly used in the treatment of heart failure and angina. It helps reduce preload and afterload, thereby decreasing the workload on the heart. However, in this scenario, the client's blood pressure is elevated (170/67 mmHg), and there is no indication of acute decompensation or pulmonary congestion. Therefore, isosorbide PO may not be the first priority medication at this time.

B Nitroglycerin is a potent vasodilator commonly used to manage acute heart failure exacerbations and acute coronary syndromes. It helps reduce preload and afterload, improving cardiac output and relieving symptoms of heart failure. In this scenario, the client's blood pressure is elevated, but the heart rate is normal, and there are no signs of acute decompensation. Therefore, initiating a nitroglycerin drip may not be the first priority unless the client develops symptoms of acute decompensation or pulmonary congestion.

C Dopamine is a vasopressor medication that can be used to increase blood pressure and cardiac output in patients with hypotension or shock. However, in this scenario, the client's blood pressure is elevated (170/67 mmHg), and there is no evidence of hypotension. Therefore, initiating a dopamine drip may not be appropriate at this time and could potentially exacerbate hypertension.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is preparing a client for transfer to the ICU for placement of a pulmonary artery catheter. The nurse should explain to the client that this catheter is used to monitor which of the following conditions?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure with an EF of 40%. The client has a BP of 170/67 with an HR of 60. He currently is in normal sinus rhythm and has an amber urine output of 45ml in the last 3 hours. Which medication would the nurse expect to give first?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who reports heart palpitations. An ECG confirms the client is experiencing ventricular tachycardia (VT). The nurse should anticipate the need for taking which of the following actions?

A nurse is caring for a client with a ventricular pacemaker who is on ECG monitoring. The nurse understands that the pacemaker is functioning properly when which of the following appears on the monitor strip?

A nurse is interpreting a client's ECG strip. Which of the following components of the ECG should the nurse examine to determine the time it takes for ventricular depolarization and repolarization?

Which is(are) potential result(s) of end-organ damage from chronic hypertension? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is collecting a medication history from a client who is scheduled to have a cardiac catheterization. Which of the following medications taken by the client interacts with contrast material and places the client at risk for acute kidney injury?

Which of the following is NOT an appropriate indication for the use of dopamine in critical care?

A nurse is caring for a client who has pericarditis and reports feeling a new onset of palpitations and shortness of breath. Which of the following assessments should indicate to the nurse that the client may have developed atrial fibrillation?

A patient who has been involved in a motor vehicle crash arrives in the emergency department (ED) with cool, clammy skin; tachycardia; and hypotension. Which intervention prescribed by the health care provider should the nurse implement first?