A client is on a ventilator. Alarms are sounding, indicating an increase in peak airway pressure. The nurse assesses first for what?
Malfunction of the alarm button.
A cut or slice in the tubing from the ventilator.
Higher than normal endotracheal cuff pressure.
A kink in the ventilator tubing.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
Malfunction of the alarm button is unlikely to be the cause of increased peak airway pressure. The alarm is designed to alert the nurse to a problem with the ventilator or the patient’s airway, not to malfunction itself. Therefore, this is not the first thing the nurse should assess.
Choice B Reason:
A cut or slice in the tubing from the ventilator could cause a loss of pressure or air leak, but it would not typically result in increased peak airway pressure. Instead, it would likely cause a decrease in pressure and potentially trigger a different alarm.
Choice C Reason:
Higher than normal endotracheal cuff pressure can contribute to increased peak airway pressure. However, it is not the most immediate concern compared to a kink in the tubing, which can completely obstruct airflow and rapidly compromise the patient’s ventilation.
Choice D Reason:
A kink in the ventilator tubing is a common and immediate cause of increased peak airway pressure. It obstructs the flow of air, leading to a buildup of pressure in the system. This is the first thing the nurse should assess and correct to ensure the patient is receiving adequate ventilation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E","G"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Adherence to proper hand hygiene
Proper hand hygiene is a fundamental practice in preventing infections, including ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Hand hygiene involves washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after patient contact, after touching potentially contaminated surfaces, and before performing any aseptic procedures. This practice helps to reduce the transmission of pathogens that can cause infections in mechanically ventilated patients. Studies have shown that adherence to hand hygiene protocols significantly decreases the incidence of VAP and other healthcare-associated infections.
Choice B Reason: Suction the client at least every 2 hours
While suctioning is an important aspect of care for mechanically ventilated patients, routine suctioning every 2 hours is not recommended. Instead, suctioning should be performed based on the patient’s clinical condition and as needed. Over-suctioning can cause trauma to the airway and increase the risk of infection. Therefore, this choice is not included in the best practices for preventing VAP.
Choice C Reason: Administering antiulcer medication
Administering antiulcer medication is a recommended practice to prevent stress ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding in mechanically ventilated patients. Stress ulcers can lead to complications such as aspiration of gastric contents, which can contribute to the development of VAP. Antiulcer medications, such as proton pump inhibitors or H2 receptor antagonists, help to reduce gastric acidity and the risk of ulcer formation. This practice is part of the comprehensive care plan to prevent VAP.
Choice D Reason: Providing oral care per protocol
Providing oral care per protocol is a critical component of VAP prevention. Oral care involves cleaning the patient’s mouth, teeth, and gums to reduce the colonization of harmful bacteria that can be aspirated into the lungs. Protocols for oral care typically include the use of antiseptic solutions, such as chlorhexidine, to disinfect the oral cavity. Regular oral care has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of VAP in mechanically ventilated patients.
Choice E Reason: Elevating the head of the bed
Elevating the head of the bed to an angle of 30 to 45 degrees is a recommended practice to prevent VAP. This position helps to reduce the risk of aspiration of gastric contents into the lungs, which is a major risk factor for VAP. Elevating the head of the bed also promotes better lung expansion and ventilation, which can improve the patient’s respiratory status. This practice is widely recognized as an effective measure to prevent VAP.
Choice F Reason: Suctioning the client on a regular schedule
Similar to Choice B, routine suctioning on a regular schedule is not recommended. Suctioning should be performed based on the patient’s clinical needs and not on a fixed schedule. Over-suctioning can cause harm and increase the risk of infection. Therefore, this choice is not included in the best practices for preventing VAP.
Choice G Reason: Turning and positioning the client at least every 2 hours
Turning and positioning the client at least every 2 hours is an important practice to prevent complications such as pressure ulcers and to promote lung expansion. Regular repositioning helps to improve ventilation and drainage of secretions, reducing the risk of VAP. This practice is part of the standard care for mechanically ventilated patients to prevent various complications, including VAP.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Place the client on aspiration precautions: Myxedema coma is a severe form of hypothyroidism that can lead to decreased mental function and a reduced level of consciousness. These conditions increase the risk of aspiration, which can lead to pneumonia and other complications. Therefore, placing the client on aspiration precautions is crucial to prevent these risks. Aspiration precautions may include elevating the head of the bed, monitoring swallowing ability, and providing thickened liquids if necessary.
Choice B Reason:
Turn the client every 4 hours: While turning the client regularly is important to prevent pressure ulcers, it is not the primary action needed for a client in a myxedema coma. The focus should be on stabilizing the client’s condition and preventing life-threatening complications such as aspiration, respiratory failure, and cardiovascular collapse.
Choice C Reason:
Check the client’s blood pressure every 2 hours: Monitoring vital signs, including blood pressure, is essential for clients in a myxedema coma. However, it is not the most critical action compared to preventing aspiration. Blood pressure should be monitored regularly, but the frequency can be adjusted based on the client’s condition and stability.
Choice D Reason:
Initiate measures to cool the client: Clients in a myxedema coma typically present with hypothermia (low body temperature), not hyperthermia (high body temperature). Therefore, initiating measures to cool the client would be inappropriate and could worsen their condition. Instead, measures to warm the client, such as using blankets and adjusting room temperature, are more appropriate.
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