A patient is one day postoperative following an open thoracotomy. The patient is receiving oxygen mist at 40% by Venturi mask. The patient's ABG results are: pH 7.31, PaO2 93 mm Hg, PaCO2 50 mm Hg, HCO3 25 mEq/L. Which of the following is an appropriate action for the nurse?
Elevate the patient in a high Fowler's position and encourage the use of an incentive spirometer and coughing.
Increase oxygen to 70%.
Switch oxygen to a rebreather mask.
Position the patient prone and have the respiratory therapist perform postural drainage.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Elevating the patient in a high Fowler's position can help improve lung expansion and oxygenation, and using an incentive spirometer along with coughing can help prevent atelectasis and pneumonia, which are common postoperative complications.
Choice B reason: Increasing oxygen to 70% without a specific indication could lead to oxygen toxicity, especially without assessing the patient's current oxygenation status.
Choice C reason: Switching to a rebreather mask is not indicated based on the given ABG results and could lead to CO2 retention.
Choice D reason: Positioning the patient prone and performing postural drainage are not typically first-line interventions for a patient one day post-thoracotomy and could be contraindicated due to the recent surgery.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Trousseau's sign is indicative of hypocalcemia and is elicited by inflating a blood pressure cuff on the arm.
Choice B reason: Carpopedal spasm is a muscular spasm involving the hands and feet that can occur with hypocalcemia.
Choice C reason: Chvostek's sign is a facial twitching that occurs when tapping on the facial nerve in front of the ear, which can be a sign of hypocalcemia.
Choice D reason: Korsakoff's psychosis is associated with chronic alcoholism and thiamine deficiency, not directly with hypocalcemia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Encouraging walking in the corridor soon after surgery is important for preventing complications, but it is not specific enough as an instruction for a teaching plan.
Choice B reason: Ensuring participation in the decision room is vague and does not provide clear guidance for preoperative teaching.
Choice C reason: Stating the most important information is crucial in a teaching plan to ensure that the patient understands key aspects of their care.
Choice D reason: Sharing rational moments with writen and graphic aid can be helpful, but the inclusion of 'including blue' is unclear and not a standard part of preoperative teaching.
Please note that these responses are based on general medical and nursing practices. Specific hospital policies and patient circumstances may vary.
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