A young adult is admitted to the emergency department after consuming an unknown quantity of drugs.
The patient is unresponsive, and an endotracheal tube (ETT) has been inserted.
What methods should the nurse use to confirm the correct placement of the ETT? Select all that apply.
Listen for bilateral breath sounds.
Verify a capillary refill time of less than 3 seconds.
Check that the ETT markings are between 22 and 26 cm at the teeth line.
Observe for symmetrical chest movement.
Arrange for a portable chest x-ray to confirm ETT location.
Correct Answer : A,C,D,E
Choice A rationale
Listening for bilateral breath sounds is a common method to confirm the correct placement of the ETT1. When the ETT is correctly placed, breath sounds should be heard equally on both sides of the chest.
Choice B rationale
Verifying a capillary refill time of less than 3 seconds is not directly related to confirming the placement of an ETT. Capillary refill time is often used to assess peripheral circulation and hydration status, not airway management.
Choice C rationale
Checking that the ETT markings are between 22 and 26 cm at the teeth line is another method to confirm correct ETT placement. These markings help ensure that the ETT is not too far into the trachea, which could cause one lung to be ventilated more than the other.
Choice D rationale
Observing for symmetrical chest movement is a visual confirmation of correct ETT placement. When the ETT is correctly placed, both sides of the chest should rise and fall equally with each breath.
Choice E rationale
Arranging for a portable chest x-ray is considered the gold standard for confirming ETT location. It provides a visual confirmation that the ETT is in the trachea and not in the esophagus.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Observing for signs of depression is the most important intervention for the nurse to include in the client’s plan of care. This patient has a history of struggling with weight management, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension, and is now approved for gastroplasty. Weight management surgery can have significant psychological implications, and patients may experience depression or other emotional issues. Identifying signs of depression and providing appropriate support and resources is crucial for the client’s overall well-being and successful outcomes.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Determining the amount of weight the patient has lost since increasing activity is relevant to the patient’s overall health and progress toward weight loss goals, but it does not directly address the issue of sleep difficulties. Weight loss and improved sleep may not always have a direct cause-and-effect relationship.
Choice B rationale
Inquiring about the patient’s exercise schedule is a reasonable action. It allows the nurse to gather information about the patient’s exercise routine and assess whether it might be contributing to the sleep difficulties. For instance, exercising too close to bedtime can interfere with sleep. Therefore, understanding the timing and intensity of the patient’s exercise can provide valuable insights into potential adjustments that could improve sleep quality.
Choice C rationale
Informing the patient that lifestyle changes often take several weeks to be effective is a general statement that might not address the specific concerns of the patient. While it’s true that lifestyle changes, including exercise, can take time to show results, this does not provide a targeted solution to the patient’s reported difficulty in falling asleep.
Choice D rationale
Encouraging the patient to exercise daily to reduce bedtime wakefulness is not appropriate advice in this scenario. It oversimplifies the issue and may not address the underlying causes of the patient’s sleep difficulties. Additionally, excessive exercise close to bedtime may actually interfere with sleep.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.