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?
Hemodynamic status
Spinal cord perfusion
Renal function
Intracranial pressure
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason: This is correct because a pulmonary artery catheter is a device that measures the pressures and flows in the heart and lungs, such as the pulmonary artery pressure, the pulmonary artery wedge pressure, the cardiac output, and the mixed venous oxygen saturation. These parameters reflect the hemodynamic status of the client, which is the balance between the cardiac output and the systemic vascular resistance.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because a pulmonary artery catheter does not measure spinal cord perfusion, which is the blood flow to the spinal cord. Spinal cord perfusion can be affected by spinal cord injury, spinal anesthesia, or spinal surgery.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because a pulmonary artery catheter does not measure renal function, which is the ability of the kidneys to filter waste products and maintain fluid and electrolyte balance. Renal function can be assessed by urine output, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and glomerular filtration rate.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because a pulmonary artery catheter does not measure intracranial pressure, which is the pressure inside the skull. Intracranial pressure can be increased by brain injury, stroke, tumor, infection, or hydrocephalus.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is correct because dopamine is a vasopressor that increases the contractility and stroke volume of the heart, which results in an increased systolic blood pressure.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because dopamine can cause tachycardia as a side effect, but this does not indicate a therapeutic effect. An increased radial heart rate can also indicate other conditions, such as anxiety, fever, or dehydration.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because dopamine does not reduce cardiac output, but rather increases it by improving the pumping function of the heart.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because dopamine does not reduce urine output, but rather increases it by stimulating the renal blood vessels and enhancing renal perfusion.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is a. Respiratory status.
Choice A: Respiratory Status
Reason: After the evacuation of a subdural hematoma, monitoring the respiratory status is crucial. This is because changes in respiratory patterns can indicate increased intracranial pressure (ICP) or brainstem compression, which are life-threatening conditions. Ensuring that the airway is clear and that the patient is breathing adequately is the top priority. Normal respiratory rate for adults is 12-20 breaths per minute.
Choice B: Temperature
Reason: While monitoring temperature is important to detect infections or other complications, it is not the immediate priority in the acute postoperative period following a subdural hematoma evacuation. Fever can indicate infection, but it is less likely to cause immediate life-threatening complications compared to respiratory issues.
Choice C: Intracranial Pressure
Reason: Monitoring intracranial pressure (ICP) is very important in patients with brain injuries. Normal ICP ranges from 5-15 mmHg. However, changes in respiratory status can be an early indicator of increased ICP. Therefore, while ICP monitoring is critical, ensuring the patient’s respiratory status is stable takes precedence.
Choice D: Serum Electrolytes
Reason: Serum electrolytes are important to monitor for overall metabolic stability and to detect imbalances that could affect neurological function. Normal ranges for key electrolytes are: Sodium (135-145 mEq/L), Potassium (3.5-4.5 mEq/L), and Chloride (80-100 mEq/L). However, these are not the immediate priority in the acute phase following surgery compared to respiratory status.
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