An infant is unresponsive and gasping for breath. Prior to starting CPR, which site should the nurse palpate for a pulse?
Left 5th intercostal space midclavicular line
Right carotid area
Over the brachial artery
Over the sternum
The Correct Answer is C
A. Left 5th intercostal space midclavicular line: Palpating the left 5th intercostal space midclavicular line is not appropriate for assessing pulse in an unresponsive infant. This location is typically used for cardiac auscultation and not for pulse assessment.
B. Right carotid area: Palpating the carotid artery is not recommended in infants due to the risk of causing injury to the delicate structures of the neck, including the
airway and blood vessels.
C. Over the brachial artery: The brachial artery is the preferred site for assessing pulse in infants. It is located in the inner aspect of the upper arm and can be easily palpated. In an unresponsive infant, the brachial pulse should be assessed before
initiating CPR.
D. Over the sternum: Palpating over the sternum is not an appropriate site for pulse assessment in infants. The sternum is a bone and does not contain any major arteries suitable for pulse palpation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Gained 10 lb (4.5 kg) within one month. Weight gain is not typically associated with the onset of type 1 diabetes. In fact, weight loss is more common due to the body's inability to use glucose properly.
B. Drinks more fluids than previously. Increased thirst (polydipsia) is a classic symptom of type 1 diabetes due to high blood sugar levels causing dehydration.
C. Voids only one or two times per day. Increased urination (polyuria) is a common symptom of type 1 diabetes as the body attempts to excrete excess glucose, so decreased urination is unlikely.
D. Refuses to eat favorite meals at home. While changes in appetite can occur, it is not a primary symptom of type 1 diabetes. Increased hunger (polyphagia) is more typical.
Correct Answer is ["A","F","G"]
Explanation
A. Increase the fractional concentration of Inspired oxygen: As the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO) has decreased to 64 mm Hg from 99 mm Hg, and the oxygen saturation may drop, it's necessary to increase the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) to maintain adequate oxygenation.
B. Change the ventilator settings to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP): CPAP is not typically used in patients who are intubated. CPAP is a non-invasive ventilation mode used for patients with respiratory distress who are breathing spontaneously. In this case, the patient is intubated and requires mechanical ventilation, so CPAP is not appropriate.
C. Increase the respiratory rate: While the respiratory rate has decreased from 15 to 13 breaths/minute, it's important to maintain a careful balance when adjusting ventilator settings. Increasing the respiratory rate may not be necessary at this point, especially if the patient is still oxygenating adequately. Moreover, the primary concern appears to be hypoxemia rather than hypoventilation.
D. Continue weaning the ventilator as ordered: While weaning the patient off the ventilator is a goal, it may not be appropriate at this time, especially with the worsening blood gas values
indicating respiratory insufficiency. Continuing the weaning process could potentially exacerbate respiratory failure.
E. Decrease the tidal volume: Decreasing the tidal volume could worsen ventilation-perfusion matching and exacerbate hypoxemia. This approach might be considered in certain cases of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or in patients with severe lung injury, but it's not typically indicated in this scenario without further assessment.
F. Alert the provider of the blood gas values: The nurse should inform the provider about the changes in blood gas values, especially the decrease in PaO2 and the increase in PaCO2, which indicate worsening respiratory status and potential respiratory acidosis.
G. Switch the ventilator to pressure control: Given the deterioration in respiratory status with an increase in PaCO2 and decrease in PaO2, switching to pressure control ventilation may provide better control over the patient's ventilation and oxygenation, especially in cases of acute
respiratory failure.
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