A patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome is receiving a paralyzing agent. With a Train-of-four (TOF) assessment, the patient’s thumb twitches 3 times. How would the nurse interpret this response?
The patient’s paralysing agent dose in adequate, but needs to be given more often
The patients paralyzing agent dose is too low and needs to be increased
The patient’s paralyzing agent dose in appropriate and does not need to be changed
The patients paralyzing agent dose is too high and needs to be reduced
The Correct Answer is A
A. The patient’s paralyzing agent dose is adequate, but needs to be given more often.
In a Train-of-four (TOF) assessment, four stimuli are delivered in rapid succession, and the response is observed. The number of twitches in the patient's thumb indicates the degree of neuromuscular blockade. In this case, if the patient's thumb twitches three times, it suggests that there is still some residual neuromuscular blockade, and the paralyzing agent dose is adequate. However, the frequency of administration may need to be increased to maintain the desired level of paralysis or neuromuscular blockade.
B. The patient’s paralyzing agent dose is too low and needs to be increased:
This would be indicated if there were fewer than three twitches in response to the TOF assessment.
C. The patient’s paralyzing agent dose is appropriate and does not need to be changed:
The response of three twitches suggests that there is still some neuromuscular blockade, so the dose or frequency may need adjustment.
D. The patient’s paralyzing agent dose is too high and needs to be reduced:
If there were no twitches or a complete absence of twitches, this might suggest an excessive dose. However, three twitches indicate some degree of neuromuscular blockade.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. “I have not received any of my medications today.”
The statement "I have not received any of my medications today" requires follow-up from the nurse because it indicates a potential issue with the client's medication administration. It's important to ensure that the client receives the prescribed medications in a timely manner.
B. “Do you know when I will be going home?”
This is a question about the discharge plan and does not indicate an immediate issue that requires follow-up.
C. “I do not know how to make the remote control work.”
While it's a statement about the client's understanding of the remote control, it is not an urgent matter that requires immediate attention.
D. “My dressing was changed earlier this morning.”
This statement indicates that a care task (dressing change) has been completed and does not suggest a problem that requires urgent follow-up.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Teaching a client insulin injection technique.
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are trained to provide direct patient care, including the administration of medications and patient education. Teaching a client insulin injection technique falls within the scope of practice for an LPN.
B. Evaluating changes to a client’s pressure ulcer:
Assessing and evaluating changes in a client's condition, including pressure ulcers, involves clinical judgment and interpretation of findings, tasks typically performed by an RN.
C. Admission assessment of a new client:
Conducting comprehensive assessments, especially for new admissions, requires a higher level of nursing assessment skills and is generally within the scope of practice for an RN.
D. Scheduling a diagnostic study for a client:
The task of scheduling diagnostic studies involves organizational and administrative skills. RNs often handle coordination of care, including scheduling, as part of their responsibilities.
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