An employee asks the occupational health nurse about measures to prevent inhalation exposure of job-related substances.

Which of the following explanations should the nurse include?

Choice A rationale
Placing a tracheostomy tray at the client’s bedside is not the first action a nurse should take when a client is diagnosed with ARDS. While a tracheostomy may be necessary in some cases, it is not the immediate priority.
Choice B rationale
Administering IV prophylaxis for thromboembolism is important in the management of ARDS, but it is not the first action a nurse should take. The immediate priority is to ensure adequate oxygenation.
Choice C rationale
Preparing to assist with intubation of the client is the first action a nurse should take when a client is diagnosed with ARDS. Intubation and mechanical ventilation are often required to ensure adequate oxygenation in clients with ARDS3.
Choice D rationale
Administering IV prophylaxis for stress ulcers is important in the management of ARDS, but it is not the first action a nurse should take. The immediate priority is to ensure adequate oxygenation.

Choice A rationale
Implementing ventilator-weaning protocols is a crucial intervention in the care plan for a patient on a ventilator to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. These protocols aim to minimize the patient’s exposure to mechanical ventilation, which is a significant risk factor for developing ventilator-associated pneumonia. By systematically reducing the level of ventilatory support, these protocols facilitate the earliest possible liberation from mechanical ventilation, thereby reducing the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Choice B rationale
Providing frequent oral care is another essential intervention in preventing ventilator- associated pneumonia. Oral health can quickly deteriorate in mechanically ventilated patients, leading to an increased risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Regular oral care, including the use of antiseptics, can help reduce the number of potential respiratory pathogens in the oral cavity and prevent their aspiration into the lower respiratory tract.
Choice C rationale
Suctioning the patient every hour is not typically recommended as a standard intervention to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. Over-suctioning can lead to trauma and inflammation in the airway, potentially increasing the risk of infection. Suctioning should be performed based on the patient’s needs and clinical signs, rather than on a fixed schedule.
Choice D rationale
Positioning the patient in a semi-upright position (30 to 45 degrees), rather than a prone position, is recommended to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. This position helps to reduce the risk of aspiration, which is a major risk factor for ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Choice E rationale
Avoiding suctioning the patient is not a recommended strategy for preventing ventilator- associated pneumonia. Suctioning is necessary to clear secretions from the airway, and its omission could potentially increase the risk of infection. However, as mentioned earlier, suctioning should be performed based on the patient’s needs and clinical signs, rather than on a fixed schedule.