The client Is in the intensive care unit on a ventilator. Which intervention(s) should the nurse implement? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)
Assess the respiratory status hourly and as needed
Ensure that a manual resuscitation bag is at the bedside
Check the patient's pulse co once every shift
Adjust the ventilator settings based on the client’s level of consciousness
Collaborate frequently with the respiratory therapist
Correct Answer : A,B,E
A) Assess the respiratory status hourly and as needed
It is essential for the nurse to frequently monitor and assess the respiratory status of a client on a ventilator, as changes can occur rapidly. Regular assessments allow the nurse to detect any early signs of respiratory distress, hypoxia, or ventilator malfunction. Hourly assessments are standard practice in the intensive care unit (ICU), and additional assessments may be necessary if there are concerns about the patient’s respiratory condition.
B) Ensure that a manual resuscitation bag is at the bedside
A manual resuscitation bag (Ambu bag) is a critical piece of emergency equipment that should always be available at the bedside of a patient on mechanical ventilation. In the event of ventilator failure, accidental extubation, or sudden respiratory distress, the nurse needs to be able to provide manual ventilation.
C) Check the patient's pulse oximetry once every shift
Although monitoring pulse oximetry is important in ICU patients on a ventilator, checking it only once per shift is insufficient. Continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation via pulse oximetry is a much more appropriate approach to ensure the patient is adequately oxygenated, especially when on a ventilator.
D) Adjust the ventilator settings based on the client’s level of consciousness
Adjusting the ventilator settings should be done by the healthcare provider or respiratory therapist, not the nurse, unless directed by the provider. While the patient's level of consciousness can influence their respiratory drive, the nurse does not have the authority or expertise to modify ventilator settings based on consciousness levels.
E) Collaborate frequently with the respiratory therapist
Collaboration with the respiratory therapist is essential for managing a patient on a ventilator. Respiratory therapists have specialized training in ventilator management and can assist with adjusting ventilator settings, monitoring the patient’s lung function, and troubleshooting ventilator malfunctions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
A) Tachycardia: Tachycardia is commonly seen in left-sided heart failure as the heart attempts to compensate for the reduced cardiac output. To maintain adequate perfusion, the body increases the heart rate. The sympathetic nervous system is activated, causing an increase in heart rate to try to pump blood more efficiently despite the reduced pumping ability of the left ventricle.
B) Crackles: Crackles (also known as rales) are typically heard upon auscultation of the lungs in patients with left-sided heart failure. When the left ventricle fails to effectively pump blood, it causes blood to back up into the lungs, resulting in pulmonary congestion. This leads to fluid accumulation in the alveoli, causing crackling sounds during inhalation.
C) Ascites: Ascites is more commonly seen in right-sided heart failure or in cases of congestive heart failure where both sides of the heart are affected. Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, which is a consequence of right-sided heart failure causing blood to back up into the abdomen. In left-sided heart failure, ascites is generally not a primary symptom unless the failure becomes severe and involves both sides of the heart.
D) Dyspnea: Dyspnea, or shortness of breath, is a hallmark symptom of left-sided heart failure. The left ventricle's inability to pump blood efficiently leads to pulmonary congestion, which causes fluid to accumulate in the lungs. This fluid buildup reduces the lung's ability to exchange oxygen, resulting in difficulty breathing, especially on exertion or when lying down (orthopnea).
E) Peripheral edema: Peripheral edema is more characteristic of right-sided heart failure due to the backup of blood in the systemic circulation. While it can occur in cases of biventricular heart failure (both right and left sides of the heart are affected), it is not the primary finding in left-sided heart failure. Left-sided heart failure typically presents with pulmonary symptoms rather than systemic symptoms like peripheral edema.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Prolonged prothrombin time (PT):
A prolonged PT is a sign of impaired coagulation, which is common in DIC as the clotting factors are consumed. In DIC, both clotting and bleeding occur, leading to prolonged PT. Therefore, a prolonged PT does not reflect a positive outcome. A positive outcome would show normalization or improvement of the clotting profile.
B) Elevated fibrinogen level:
Fibrinogen is often decreased in DIC because it is consumed in the process of forming clots. An elevated fibrinogen level would not indicate a positive outcome in DIC. Instead, fibrinogen levels typically fall in DIC due to widespread clotting activity. A positive outcome would involve a normalization or increase in fibrinogen levels as the condition improves.
C) Decreased platelet count:
Platelet count typically decreases in DIC because platelets are used up in the formation of clots, leading to thrombocytopenia. A decreased platelet count reflects ongoing consumption of platelets and would not be a positive indicator of improvement. In a positive outcome, the platelet count would increase toward normal levels.
D) Decreased D-dimer level:
D-dimer is a product of fibrin degradation and is elevated in conditions like DIC, where abnormal clotting and fibrinolysis are occurring. A decreased D-dimer level indicates that the coagulation process is resolving, and fibrin degradation is returning to normal, reflecting a positive outcome. Monitoring the D-dimer level is a key indicator of improvement in DIC.
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