Four hours after mechanical ventilation is initiated for a patient with a suspected drug overdose, the patient's arterial blood gas (ABG) results include a pH of 7.50, Pa0 2 of 80 mm Hg. PaCO2 of 29 mmHg, and HCO3 of 23 mEq/L (23 mmo/L). The nurse will anticipate the need to:
decrease the respiratory rate.
Leave the ventilator at the current settings.
increase the tidal volume (VT).
Increase the F102
The Correct Answer is A
The ABG results show a pH of 7.50, PaCO2 of 29 mmHg, and HCO3 of 23 mEq/L, indicating respiratory alkalosis. In respiratory alkalosis, there is a decrease in PaCO2 (hypocapnia), which can be caused by excessive ventilation.
To address the respiratory alkalosis, the nurse should decrease the respiratory rate. This would help reduce the amount of ventilation provided and allow the patient to retain more carbon dioxide (CO2), thereby increasing the PaCO2 levels and restoring acid-base balance.
B. Leaving the ventilator at the current settings in (option B) is incorrect because it may exacerbate respiratory alkalosis as it would maintain the same level of ventilation.
C. Increasing the tidal volume (VT) in (option C) is incorrect because it would not address the respiratory alkalosis. Tidal volume refers to the volume of air delivered with each breath, while the issue in this case is excessive ventilation leading to hypocapnia.
D. Increasing the FiO2 (fraction of inspired oxygen) in (option D) is incorrect because it is not indicated based on the given ABG results. The oxygenation (PaO2) level is within normal limits (80 mmHg), suggesting adequate oxygenation.
It is important to consult with the healthcare provider or respiratory therapist for further guidance on adjusting the ventilator settings based on the patient's condition and response to therapy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["18"]
Explanation
Step 1: Convert the patient's weight from pounds to kilograms. 130 pounds ÷ 2.205 (1 pound = 0.453592 kilograms) ≈ 58.97 kilograms
Step 2: Calculate the total dosage of Dobutamine required per hour based on the weight-specific dose. 2.5 mcg/kg/min × 58.97 kg = 147.425 mcg/min
Step 3: Calculate the infusion rate (mL/hr) using the concentration of Dobutamine in the prepared solution. The solution contains 250 mg of Dobutamine in 500 mL, which means there are 250,000 mcg of Dobutamine in 500 mL. To determine the mL/hr, divide the required dosage (147.425 mcg/min) by the amount of Dobutamine in 500 mL (250,000 mcg) and multiply by 500 mL (volume of the solution).
(147.425 mcg/min ÷ 250,000 mcg) × 500 mL ≈ 0.295 mL/min
To get the mL/hr, we convert the rate from minutes to hours (60 minutes = 1 hour):
0.295 mL/min × 60 min/hr ≈ 17.7 mL/hr
Round the answer to the nearest whole number:
Approximately 18 mL/hr of Dobutamine should be administered to the patient.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Positioning the transducer level with the phlebostatic axis is a crucial step in accurate hemodynamic monitoring. The phlebostatic axis is an imaginary reference point located at the fourth intercostal space, mid-anterior/posterior chest. Placing the transducer at this level ensures that the pressure measurements obtained are reflective of the patient's true hemodynamic status.
A. Positioning the limb with the catheter insertion site at the level of the transducer in (option A) is incorrect because: While it is important to position the limb appropriately to avoid kinks or occlusions in the catheter tubing, this is not directly related to the accurate measurement of hemodynamic parameters.
C. Ensuring that the patient is lying with the head of the bed flat for all readings in (option C) is incorrect because The position of the patient's head does not directly impact the accuracy of hemodynamic monitoring unless it specifically relates to changes in preload or intracranial pressure monitoring.
D. Balancing and calibrating the hemodynamic monitoring equipment every hour in (option D) is incorrect because: While it is important to ensure that the monitoring equipment is calibrated and functioning properly, doing so every hour may not be necessary. Calibration frequency may vary based on institutional policies and patient stability.
Therefore, the correct action that demonstrates effective teaching about hemodynamic monitoring is positioning the transducer level with the phlebostatic axis.
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