A patient is on the ventilator and a high-pressure alarm sounds. The nurse should assess for which of these possible causes for the alarm?
The patient may need suctioning
The patient extubated himself
The ventilator tubing may be disconnected.
The cuff at the end of the endotracheal tube is deflated.
The Correct Answer is A
A. The patient may need suctioning:
A high-pressure alarm indicates increased resistance to airflow, which could be caused by secretions or mucus in the airways. Suctioning is the appropriate intervention to clear the airways of excess secretions, reducing airway resistance and preventing the high-pressure alarm.
B. The patient extubated himself:
If the patient extubates himself (removes the endotracheal tube), this may result in a low-pressure alarm, not a high-pressure alarm. The low-pressure alarm is triggered when there is a loss of pressure within the ventilator circuit due to disconnection or extubation.
C. The ventilator tubing may be disconnected:
If the ventilator tubing is disconnected, it is more likely to trigger a low-pressure alarm, indicating a loss of pressure in the ventilator circuit. This is not the primary cause of increased resistance seen with a high-pressure alarm.
D. The cuff at the end of the endotracheal tube is deflated:
A deflated cuff can lead to air leakage around the endotracheal tube but is not the primary cause of increased airway resistance seen with a high-pressure alarm. It may cause a low-pressure alarm if cuff pressure is monitored.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Elevate the client’s head of bed:
Elevating the head of the bed is a good practice for patients on mechanical ventilation as it helps prevent complications such as aspiration. However, in the scenario where the client has pulled out the endotracheal tube, the immediate concern is assessing the airway and ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation. Elevating the head of the bed can be done later as needed.
B. Assess the client’s airway:
This is the correct and priority action. The nurse should assess the client's airway first to determine the extent of the situation. This involves checking for signs of airway obstruction, respiratory distress, or inadequate oxygenation. The assessment guides subsequent interventions.
C. Prepare the client for intubation:
While preparing for intubation may be necessary if the endotracheal tube is completely displaced, assessing the airway comes first. The nurse needs to gather information about the client's current condition before deciding on the appropriate course of action.
D. Suction the client’s mouth:
Suctioning may be necessary, especially if there are secretions or other obstructions in the mouth or airway. However, it should come after the initial assessment of the airway. If the client's airway is clear, suctioning may not be the immediate priority.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Right Circumstances:
This involves ensuring that the tasks being delegated are appropriate for the circumstances and consistent with the plan of care. The nurse should consider factors such as the client's condition, the complexity of the task, and the stability of the client's health status.
B. Right Communication:
Effective communication is crucial in delegation. This includes clear and concise instructions, expectations, and a feedback loop. The nurse should ensure that communication is understood and acknowledged by both parties involved in the delegation.
C. Right Supervision:
Right Supervision involves providing guidance, direction, and feedback to those to whom tasks have been delegated. The nurse is responsible for overseeing and ensuring that the tasks are performed appropriately, meeting the required standards of care. This includes ongoing monitoring and assessment of delegated tasks.
D. Right Person:
The right person involves selecting the appropriate individual for the task based on their competence, knowledge, and skills. The nurse must assess the competency of the person being delegated to and ensure that they have the necessary qualifications to perform the assigned task
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