A patient with respiratory failure has a respiratory rate of 6 breaths/min and an oxygen saturation (SpO2) of 78%. The patient is increasingly lethargic. Which intervention will the nurse anticipate?
Initiation of continuous positive pressure ventilation (CPAP)
Endotracheal intubation and positive pressure ventilation
Insertion of a mini-tracheostomy with frequent suctioning
Administration of 100% 02 by non-rebreather mask
The Correct Answer is B
B. Endotracheal intubation and positive pressure ventilation are indicated in patients with severe respiratory failure who are unable to maintain adequate oxygenation and ventilation on their own. This intervention provides mechanical support to the patient's breathing by delivering positive pressure to the lungs via an endotracheal tube. Given the patient's respiratory rate of 6 breaths/min, low oxygen saturation (SpO2 of 78%), and increasing lethargy, endotracheal intubation and positive pressure ventilation are the most appropriate interventions to ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation.
A. CPAP is a form of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation that helps keep the airways open and improves oxygenation. However, in a patient with severe respiratory failure and impending respiratory arrest, CPAP alone may not be sufficient to adequately support ventilation and oxygenation. CPAP is typically used in patients with milder forms of respiratory failure or as a step-down therapy from invasive mechanical ventilation.
C. Insertion of a mini-tracheostomy is not typically indicated in a patient with severe respiratory failure and impending respiratory arrest. While tracheostomy may be considered in certain cases for long-term ventilation or airway management, it is not the first-line intervention in an acute situation like this.
Additionally, frequent suctioning may not address the underlying cause of respiratory failure or improve oxygenation.
D. Administering 100% oxygen via a non-rebreather mask can help improve oxygenation temporarily. However, in a patient with severe respiratory failure and impending respiratory arrest, non-invasive oxygen therapy alone may not be sufficient to maintain adequate oxygenation and ventilation.
Endotracheal intubation and positive pressure ventilation are more definitive interventions to ensure adequate support for the patient's breathing.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B Metformin is an oral antidiabetic medication commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes. There is a potential risk of lactic acidosis when metformin is used in conjunction with contrast material, particularly in patients with underlying renal impairment. Contrast-induced nephropathy can exacerbate renal dysfunction, leading to increased levels of metformin and potentially increasing the risk of lactic acidosis. Therefore, metformin use before or after contrast administration should be carefully monitored, and in some cases, temporarily discontinued to reduce the risk of lactic acidosis.
A Atorvastatin is a statin medication commonly used to lower cholesterol levels. It does not have a direct interaction with contrast material used in cardiac catheterization. Therefore, it does not place the client at risk for acute kidney injury related to contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN).
C Carvedilol is a beta-blocker medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It does not have a direct interaction with contrast material used in cardiac catheterization. Therefore, it does not place the client at risk for acute kidney injury related to contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN).
D Nitroglycerin is a medication commonly used to relieve chest pain (angina) in patients with coronary artery disease. It does not have a direct interaction with contrast material used in cardiac catheterization. Therefore, it does not place the client at risk for acute kidney injury related to contrast- induced nephropathy (CIN).
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. Respiratory acidosis- The pH is acidic, and the PaCO2 is elevated, indicating respiratory acidosis. The client's hypoventilation (respiratory rate of 7/min) is causing retention of carbon dioxide, leading to respiratory acidosis.
A. Metabolic alkalosis- The ABG values do not support a diagnosis of metabolic alkalosis. The pH is acidic, and the base excess is negative, indicating a mild metabolic acidosis.
B. Respiratory alkalosis- The ABG values do not support a diagnosis of respiratory alkalosis. The pH is acidic, and the PaCO2 is elevated, indicating respiratory acidosis rather than alkalosis.
D. Metabolic acidosis- While there is evidence of a mild metabolic acidosis indicated by the negative base excess, the primary disturbance in this case is respiratory acidosis, as evidenced by the low pH and elevated PaCO2.

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