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 C
Explanation
A. A client who is taking a thiazide diuretic:
Thiazide diuretics can cause loss of potassium and metabolic alkalosis, not metabolic acidosis.
B. A client who is vomiting:
Vomiting can lead to the loss of stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) and may result in metabolic alkalosis, not metabolic acidosis.
C. A client who has diarrhea.
Diarrhea can lead to the loss of bicarbonate, an important buffer in the body that helps maintain acid-base balance. The loss of bicarbonate in diarrhea can result in an excess of acid, contributing to metabolic acidosis.
D. A client who is having an acute anxiety attack:
Acute anxiety is not typically associated with metabolic acidosis. It is not directly related to changes in acid-base balance.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. “I understand your fears, I was a smoker also.”
While sharing personal experiences can sometimes be relatable, it may not be the most therapeutic response in this situation. The focus should be on the client's feelings and concerns rather than the nurse's personal history.
B. “Don’t worry. The important thing is you have now quit smoking.”
Dismissing the client's fear with a "don't worry" statement may invalidate the client's emotions. It's important to acknowledge and address the client's feelings rather than downplaying them.
C. “Your doctor is a great surgeon. You will be fine.”
While it's positive to express confidence in the medical team, this response does not directly address the client's emotional concerns. The client's fear may extend beyond the surgical aspect, and it's essential to explore and discuss those fears.
D. “It’s okay to feel scared. Let’s talk about what you are afraid of.”
This response is the most therapeutic as it acknowledges the client's emotions, validates the fear, and opens the door for further communication. It invites the client to express her concerns and allows the nurse to provide support and information based on the client's specific fears.
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