nurse is caring for a client who has an acute respiratory failure (ARF). The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following manifestations of this condition? (Select all that apply.)
Hypotension
Decreased level of consciousness
Severe dyspnea
Headache
Nausea
Correct Answer : B,C
Choice A reason: Hypotension is not a common manifestation of ARF. Hypotension is a low blood pressure, defined as less than 90/60 mm Hg. Hypotension can have many causes, such as dehydration, blood loss, heart problems, or medications. ARF does not directly cause hypotension, but it can lead to complications such as shock or organ failure, which can lower the blood pressure.
Choice B reason: Decreased level of consciousness is a frequent manifestation of ARF. Decreased level of consciousness is a state of impaired awareness, orientation, memory, or judgment. Decreased level of consciousness can occur in ARF due to several factors, such as hypoxia, hypercapnia, acidosis, or infection. The nurse should monitor the mental status of the client with ARF and report any changes to the provider.
Choice C reason: Severe dyspnea is a common manifestation of ARF. Dyspnea is a subjective sensation of difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Severe dyspnea can occur in ARF due to the reduced oxygen delivery or increased carbon dioxide retention in the blood. The nurse should assess the respiratory rate, rhythm, depth, and effort of the client with ARF and provide oxygen therapy as prescribed.
Choice D reason: Headache is not a typical manifestation of ARF. Headache is a pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. Headache can have many causes, such as stress, dehydration, sinusitis, or migraine. ARF does not directly cause headache, but it can cause increased intracranial pressure or cerebral edema, which can trigger headache.
Choice E reason: Nausea is not a usual manifestation of ARF. Nausea is a feeling of sickness or discomfort in the stomach that can lead to vomiting. Nausea can have many causes, such as food poisoning, motion sickness, pregnancy, or medications. ARF does not directly cause nausea, but it can cause gastrointestinal bleeding or hepatic encephalopathy, which can induce nausea.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Administer low flow oxygen continuously via nasal cannula. This intervention is not appropriate because it does not provide enough oxygen to meet the needs of a client with ARDS. A client with ARDS requires high flow oxygen delivered by a mechanical ventilator or a noninvasive positive pressure device.
Choice B reason: Encourage oral intake of at least 3,000 mL of fluids per day. This intervention is not appropriate because it can worsen the pulmonary edema and hypoxemia that occur in ARDS. A client with ARDS requires fluid restriction and diuretics to reduce the fluid accumulation in the lungs.
Choice C reason: Offer high protein and high carbohydrate foods frequently. This intervention is appropriate because it provides adequate nutrition and energy to support the client's metabolic needs and prevent muscle wasting. A client with ARDS has increased caloric and protein requirements due to the increased work of breathing and the inflammatory response.
Choice D reason: Place in a prone position. This intervention is effective because it improves oxygenation and ventilation by increasing lung volume and reducing the effects of gravity on the lungs.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Repositioning the client toward the left side is not necessary or helpful for a client who has a three-chamber closed chest tube system. The chest tube drainage system must always be placed below the drainage site and secured in an upright position to prevent it from being knocked over.
Choice B reason: Continuing to monitor the client is the appropriate action for the nurse to take after noticing a rise in the water seal chamber with client inspiration. The water in the water seal chamber should rise with inhalation and fall with exhalation (this is called tidaling), which demonstrates that the chest tube is patent. This is a normal finding and does not indicate a problem with the chest tube system or the client's condition.
Choice C reason: Clamping the chest tube near the water seal is not recommended for a client who has a three-chamber closed chest tube system. Clamping the chest tube can cause a buildup of air or fluid in the pleural space and increase the risk of complications such as tension pneumothorax or infection. Clamping the chest tube should only be done in certain situations, such as changing the drainage system, checking for an air leak, or removing the chest tube.
Choice D reason: Immediately notifying the provider is not necessary for a client who has a three-chamber closed chest tube system and shows a rise in the water seal chamber with client inspiration. As mentioned above, this is a normal finding and does not indicate a problem with the chest tube system or the client's condition. The nurse should only notify the provider if there are signs of complications, such as continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber, excessive drainage, chest pain, dyspnea, or subcutaneous emphysema.
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