The nurse interprets which finding as an early sign of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in a client at risk?

Hypoxia not responsive to oxygen therapy

Elevated lactate levels

Metabolic alkalosis

Severe, unexplained electrolyte imbalance

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason:

Hypoxia not responsive to oxygen therapy is a hallmark early sign of ARDS. ARDS is characterized by acute onset of hypoxemia that does not improve with supplemental oxygen. This refractory hypoxemia is due to severe inflammation and increased permeability of the alveolar-capillary barrier, leading to pulmonary edema and impaired gas exchange.

Choice B reason:

Elevated lactate levels can indicate tissue hypoxia and metabolic stress, which are concerning findings in critically ill patients. However, elevated lactate is not specific to ARDS and can be seen in various conditions, including sepsis and shock. It is not the primary early indicator of ARDS.

Choice C reason:

Metabolic alkalosis is not typically associated with ARDS. ARDS usually involves respiratory failure, which may lead to respiratory acidosis. Metabolic alkalosis can occur in other conditions, such as excessive loss of gastric acid or diuretic use, but it is not an early sign of ARDS.

Choice D reason:

Severe, unexplained electrolyte imbalance can occur in critically ill patients but is not specific to ARDS. Electrolyte imbalances can result from various factors, including fluid shifts, renal dysfunction, and medication effects. These imbalances do not serve as an early diagnostic indicator of ARDS.

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Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Elevating the client's head on two pillows is not a standardized method for managing intracranial pressure. Instead, elevating the head of the bed to 30 degrees is a more effective strategy to promote venous drainage and reduce ICP.

Choice B reason:

Decreasing the noise level in the client's room helps create a calm environment, which can reduce stress and prevent increases in ICP. Excessive noise and stimulation can elevate intracranial pressure.

Choice C reason:

Frequent suctioning of the endotracheal tube can actually increase ICP due to the stimulation and potential for causing a cough reflex. Suctioning should be performed only as necessary and with care.

Choice D reason:

Administering a stool softener helps prevent straining during bowel movements, which can increase ICP. Ensuring regular and comfortable bowel movements is crucial in managing intracranial pressure.

Choice E reason:

Giving a 500cc NS fluid bolus can be appropriate in some clinical scenarios to maintain adequate blood pressure and perfusion. However, fluid management must be carefully balanced to avoid fluid overload, which could increase ICP. Generally, fluid boluses are not the primary method for managing ICP.

A. Encourage patient to deep breathe and use incentive spirometer B. Offer the patient medication for sedation C. Assess patient's ability to speak D. Assess vital signs and effort of breathing

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Encouraging the patient to deep breathe and use an incentive spirometer is important for lung expansion and preventing atelectasis. However, it is not the most immediate action following extubation.

Choice B reason:

Offering the patient medication for sedation is not appropriate immediately following extubation, as it could depress respiratory function and interfere with the patient's ability to clear secretions and maintain an open airway.

Choice C reason:

Assessing the patient's ability to speak is important to ensure that the vocal cords were not damaged during the intubation process. However, this is secondary to ensuring that the patient is breathing effectively and maintaining adequate oxygenation.

Choice D reason:

Assessing vital signs and effort of breathing is the most immediate and important action following extubation. Monitoring the patient’s respiratory status ensures that they are maintaining a patent airway, breathing effectively, and not experiencing respiratory distress or failure.

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The nurse interprets which finding as an early sign of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in a client at risk?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a patient who has a closed-head injury with ICP readings ranging from 16-22 mm Hg. What actions should the nurse take to decrease the potential for raising the client's ICP? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]

Explanation

Which would be the most important action immediately following extubation of a patient?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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