A patient, admitted with respiratory failure, is intubated and placed on the ventilator with the following settings: Continuous mandatory volume (CMV) rate of 12 breaths per minute. TV 500 mL. Fi02 50% and PEEP 5 cm H20. The following arterial blood gases are obtained: pH 7.30. PaCO2 50 mmHg HCO3 23 mEq/L. PaO2 82 mmHg. Which of the following ventilator changes would the nurse recommend in the SBAR to the physician?
An increase in the CMV rate
Change to SIMV MODE
A decrease in The PaO2
A decrease in the CMV rate
The Correct Answer is B
A. An increase in the CMV rate:
Increasing the continuous mandatory volume (CMV) rate would provide more mandatory breaths, which may not address the patient's respiratory acidosis. It could potentially worsen the situation by causing respiratory alkalosis.
B. Change to SIMV (Synchronized Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation) MODE
The patient's arterial blood gas results indicate respiratory acidosis with an elevated PaCO2 (50 mmHg) and a low pH (7.30). The nurse would recommend changing to SIMV mode to allow for spontaneous breaths in addition to the set mandatory breaths. This change helps the patient to have more control over their respiratory efforts and may assist in lowering the PaCO2.
C. A decrease in the PaO2:
Decreasing the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) is not an appropriate response, especially when the patient is already on mechanical ventilation and has a moderate PaO2 level. The primary concern is the elevated PaCO2 and respiratory acidosis.
D. A decrease in the CMV rate:
Decreasing the CMV rate would reduce the number of mandatory breaths, potentially allowing the patient to hypoventilate further and retain more carbon dioxide. This is not the appropriate intervention for a patient with respiratory acidosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Assessing a client who experiences unilateral calf pain when ambulating.
Unilateral calf pain in a client who is ambulating can be indicative of a potential deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a serious condition that requires prompt assessment and intervention. DVTs are a risk after surgery, and early detection is crucial to prevent complications such as a pulmonary embolism. Assessing the client experiencing calf pain is the priority to determine the cause and initiate appropriate interventions.
B. Reassuring the partner of a client who sustained a closed head injury:
While providing support and reassurance to family members is important, it is not as urgent as assessing a client with potential signs of a DVT.
C. Taking a telephone prescription about a client who is to be transferred from PACU:
While obtaining and implementing orders in a timely manner is important, assessing and addressing a potential DVT takes precedence due to the immediate risk to the client's well-being.
D. Reinforcing a client’s dressing for the surgical site of an above-the-knee amputation:
Dressing reinforcement is important for wound care, but it is not as urgently needed as assessing a client with possible signs of a DVT. The assessment of calf pain takes priority.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Increased anteroposterior diameter of the chest
In emphysema, there is often hyperinflation of the lungs and destruction of the alveolar walls, leading to loss of lung elasticity. This results in increased air trapping and a characteristic "barrel chest" appearance, with an increased anteroposterior diameter.
B. Petechiae on chest:
Petechiae are small, red or purple spots caused by bleeding into the skin. They are not commonly associated with COPD and emphysema.
C. Oxygen saturation level 96%:
Oxygen saturation level of 96% is within the normal range. While oxygen saturation can be affected in COPD, the value provided is not indicative of severe hypoxemia.
D. Respiratory alkalosis:
Respiratory alkalosis is not typically associated with COPD and emphysema. In fact, respiratory acidosis is more commonly seen in these conditions due to impaired gas exchange and retention of carbon dioxide.
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