The nurse is caring for a client on a ventilator from complications of pneumonia. The nurse observes the low-pressure ventilator alarm and a pulse oximetry reading of 85%. What should be the nurse's first action?
Suction the client's endotracheal tube
Add air to the pilot balloon on the endotracheal tube
Providing ventilation with a bag-valve-mask device
Place a bit block in the client's mouth
The Correct Answer is C
A low-pressure ventilator alarm indicates a potential issue with the delivery of adequate air or pressure from the ventilator. The pulse oximetry reading of 85% suggests that the client is not receiving sufficient oxygenation.
Providing ventilation with a bag-valve-mask device allows the nurse to manually assist the client's breathing and ensure proper oxygenation and ventilation while troubleshooting the ventilator alarm. By manually ventilating the client, the nurse can help maintain oxygenation and prevent further hypoxemia until the underlying cause of the alarm can be identified and resolved.
Suctioning the client's endotracheal tube, adding air to the pilot balloon, or placing a bit block in the client's mouth may be appropriate interventions in specific situations, but they are not the immediate priority in this case. The primary concern is to address the low oxygen saturation and ensure adequate ventilation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Aminophylline is a bronchodilator that belongs to the xanthine derivative class of medications. It works by relaxing the smooth muscles surrounding the bronchial airways, which leads to bronchodilation. By dilating the airways, aminophylline helps to relieve bronchospasm, improve airflow, and facilitate easier breathing.
Prevent Infection: Aminophylline is not an antimicrobial medication, and its primary action is not related to preventing or treating infections.
Suppress the cough: While aminophylline may have some antitussive (cough-suppressing) effects, its primary action is bronchodilation rather than directly suppressing the cough reflex. Promote Expectoration: Aminophylline is not primarily indicated for promoting expectoration (bringing up mucus). It mainly focuses on bronchodilation to improve airflow and relieve bronchospasm.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Respiratory acidosis is a primary acid-base imbalance that occurs when there is an excess of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the body due to impaired ventilation or inadequate removal of CO2 from the lungs. In this case, Colleen's depressed ventilation, indicated by shallow and slow respirations, can lead to inadequate elimination of CO2 from her body. The excessive CO2 levels can result in an accumulation of carbonic acid (H2CO3) in the blood, leading to an increase in acidity and a decrease in pH.
The profuse bleeding from both ears indicates a potential head injury, which can lead to decreased neurological function and impaired control over the respiratory center in the brain. This can further contribute to depressed ventilation and the development of respiratory acidosis. Metabolic acidosis, characterized by a decrease in bicarbonate (HCO3-) levels or an increase in non-carbonic acids in the blood, is not the primary acid-base imbalance in this case since the scenario does not provide information indicating a primary metabolic disorder. Respiratory alkalosis, characterized by decreased levels of CO2 in the blood, leading to increased pH and alkalinity, is not the primary acid-base imbalance in this case. The depressed ventilation and associated increase in CO2 levels indicate the opposite, respiratory acidosis. Metabolic alkalosis, characterized by an increase in bicarbonate levels or a decrease in non-carbonic acids, is not the primary acid-base imbalance in this case as the scenario does not provide information indicating a primary metabolic disorder.
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