A client receiving mechanical ventilation has a pH of 7.26, PaCO2 of 68 mm Hg, and a PaO2 of 92 mm Hg. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
Decrease expiratory flow time.
Decrease expiratory pressure.
Increase rate of ventilation.
Increase ventilator tidal volume.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is choice C: Increase rate of ventilation.
Choice A rationale:
Decreasing expiratory flow time would not directly address the elevated PaCO2 levels. This intervention is more related to managing expiratory phase issues rather than correcting respiratory acidosis.
Choice B rationale:
Decreasing expiratory pressure might help with certain ventilation issues, but it does not specifically target the elevated PaCO2 and resulting acidosis.
Choice C rationale:
Increasing the rate of ventilation helps to blow off more CO2, thereby reducing PaCO2 levels and correcting the respiratory acidosis indicated by the pH of 7.26 and PaCO2 of 68 mm Hg.
Choice D rationale:
Increasing the ventilator tidal volume could also help reduce PaCO2 by increasing the amount of air exchanged with each breath. However, increasing the rate of ventilation is generally a more immediate and effective intervention for acute respiratory acidosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["30"]
Explanation
The correct answer is 30 mL/hour.
Step 1 is to calculate the total amount of norepinephrine in the IV bag: 4 mg norepinephrine ÷ 1000 mL = 0.004 mg/mL
Step 2 is to convert the patient's weight from pounds to kilograms: 176 pounds ÷ 2.2 = 80 kilograms
Step 3 is to calculate the total amount of norepinephrine the patient will receive per minute: 2 mcg/min × 60 min = 120 mcg/min
Step 4 is to convert micrograms (mcg) to milligrams (mg): 120 mcg ÷ 1000 = 0.12 mg
Step 5 is to calculate the total volume of norepinephrine needed per hour: 0.12 mg ÷ 0.004 mg/mL = 30 mL/hour
Therefore, the nurse should program the infusion pump to deliver 30 mL/hour.
Correct Answer is ["21"]
Explanation
Let’s calculate the infusion rate step by step:
- Convert 1 liter to mL: 1 liter = 1000 mL.
- Calculate total infusion time in minutes: 12 hours = 12 × 60 = 720 minutes.
- Calculate the rate in mL/min: Rate = Total Volume ÷ Total Time = 1000 mL ÷ 720 min = 1.39 mL/min.
- Calculate the drip rate in gtt/min: Drip Rate = Rate (mL/min) × Drip Factor (gtt/mL) = 1.39 mL/min × 15 gtt/mL = 20.85 gtt/min.
If rounding is required, we round to the nearest whole number. So, the nurse should regulate the infusion to 21 gtt/min.
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