On arrival at the intensive care unit, a critically ill patient suffers respiratory arrest and is placed on mechanical ventilation. The physician orders pulse oximetry to monitor the patient’s arterial oxygen saturation (SaO₂) noninvasively. Which vital sign abnormality may alter pulse oximetry values?

Tachycardia

Hypotension

Tachypnea

Fever

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A: Tachycardia

Tachycardia, defined as a heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute, can affect the accuracy of pulse oximetry readings. When the heart beats too quickly, it may not fill with enough blood between beats, leading to reduced perfusion and oxygen delivery to tissues. However, while tachycardia can influence the readings, it is not the most significant factor compared to hypotension.

Choice B: Hypotension

Hypotension, or low blood pressure, significantly impacts pulse oximetry accuracy. When blood pressure is low, there is reduced perfusion to peripheral tissues, including the extremities where pulse oximeters are typically placed. This reduced perfusion can lead to inaccurate readings, as the device may not detect sufficient blood flow to measure oxygen saturation accurately. Hypotension is a critical factor that can alter pulse oximetry values, making it the most relevant choice.

Choice C: Tachypnea

Tachypnea, or rapid breathing, can affect oxygen levels in the blood but does not directly interfere with the pulse oximeter’s ability to measure oxygen saturation. While it indicates respiratory distress and can lead to hypoxemia, the pulse oximeter can still provide accurate readings unless accompanied by other factors like low perfusion.

Choice D: Fever

Fever can cause peripheral vasodilation, which might theoretically affect pulse oximetry readings by altering blood flow to the extremities. However, this effect is generally minimal compared to the impact of hypotension. Fever alone is unlikely to cause significant inaccuracies in pulse oximetry measurements.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A Reason:

Nonfat milk is generally considered safe for individuals with GERD. While full-fat dairy products can exacerbate GERD symptoms due to their high-fat content, nonfat milk does not have this effect. It is low in fat and unlikely to trigger acid reflux. Therefore, nonfat milk is not a food that needs to be avoided by someone with GERD.

Choice B Reason:

Apples are typically safe for individuals with GERD. In fact, non-citrus fruits like apples are often recommended as part of a GERD-friendly diet. They are low in acid and unlikely to cause reflux symptoms. Therefore, apples do not need to be avoided by someone with GERD.

Choice C Reason:

Chocolate is a common trigger for GERD symptoms. It contains caffeine and theobromine, both of which can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), allowing stomach acid to escape into the esophagus and cause reflux. Additionally, chocolate is high in fat, which can further exacerbate GERD symptoms. Therefore, it is advisable for individuals with GERD to avoid chocolate to prevent worsening of their symptoms.

A. Gains 2 lbs (1 kg) after 1 week. B. Chooses preferred items from the menu. C. Clearly understands and articulates. D. Eats 75 to 100% of all meals and snacks.

Correct Answer is J

Explanation

Choice A Reason:

Gaining weight can be an indicator of improved nutrition, but it does not directly address the client’s ability to swallow safely and effectively. Weight gain could be due to other factors such as fluid retention or changes in metabolism. Therefore, while it is a positive outcome, it is not the best indicator of improved swallowing function.

Choice B Reason:

Choosing preferred items from the menu indicates that the client is engaged in their meal planning and has an appetite. However, it does not directly measure the client’s ability to swallow safely. The client might still have difficulty swallowing even if they are choosing their preferred foods.

Choice C Reason:

Clear understanding and articulation are important for communication and can indicate cognitive improvement. However, this choice does not directly relate to the client’s swallowing ability. The primary concern in this scenario is the client’s ability to swallow safely, not their communication skills.

Choice D Reason:

Eating 75 to 100% of all meals and snacks is the best indicator that the client has improved their swallowing ability. This choice directly measures the client’s ability to consume food and liquids safely and effectively. It shows that the client can manage their meals without significant difficulty, which is the primary goal of the intervention.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is providing teaching for a client who has a new diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The client asks about foods he should avoid eating. Which of the following foods should the nurse tell him to avoid?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client experiences impaired swallowing after a stroke and has worked with speech-language pathology on eating. What nursing assessment best indicates that the expected outcome for this problem has been met?

Correct Answer is J

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a client with a heart rate of 143 beats/min with atrial fibrillation. Which assessment data will the nurse anticipate? Select all that apply:

The nurse administers amiodarone to a client with ventricular tachycardia. Which monitoring by the nurse is necessary with this drug? (Select all that apply)

An acute care nurse receives a shift report for a client who has increased intracranial pressure. The nurse is told that the client demonstrates decorticate posturing. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect to observe when assessing the client?

The nurse is planning care for a client diagnosed with SIADH. Which of the following would be included in the plan of care? Select all that apply.

A nurse is assessing a client who has fluid overload. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply)

An adult client who has been experiencing a seizure for approximately 15 minutes is brought to the emergency department by private vehicle. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

A client with type II diabetes is scheduled to have a computed tomography (CT) scan with IV contrast of the brain to rule out a brain tumor. What health teaching would the nurse include?Your provider will obtain a signed consent from you prior to the completion of the CT scan.

The nurse has just received a report on a group of clients on the neurosurgical unit. Which client is the nurse’s first priority?