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 ["C","D"]
Explanation
Based on the client’s current condition and the urgency of the interventions, the nurse should complete the following prescriptions first:
- C) Apply oxygen 1 L/minute: The client’s oxygen saturation level needs to be kept above 94%. Given her difficulty in breathing and the fact that she is pale and sitting upright, it’s crucial to ensure she is receiving enough oxygen.
- D) Give albuterol as ordered: Albuterol is a bronchodilator that can help relieve the client’s asthma symptoms. Since her symptoms did not resolve after taking her usual dose of albuterol, administering another dose as ordered can help improve her breathing.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E","F"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
An increased pulse rate can be a sign of pain in infants. The heart rate increases as the body’s way of coping with the stress of pain.
Choice B rationale
Skin showing peripheral pallor is not typically associated with pain. It can be a sign of other conditions, such as anemia or shock, but it’s not a reliable indicator of pain.
Choice C rationale
Clenched fists can be a sign of pain in infants. It’s a common non-verbal cue that infants use to express discomfort.
Choice D rationale
An increased respiratory rate can also be a sign of pain. Like an increased heart rate, it’s a physiological response to stress.
Choice E rationale
Restlessness can be a sign of discomfort or pain in infants. Infants may squirm, fidget, or have trouble settling down when they’re in pain.
Choice F rationale
An elevated temperature is not typically a direct sign of pain, but it can indicate an underlying condition that might be causing pain, such as an infection.
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