To verify the correct placement of an endotracheal tube (ET) after insertion, the best initial action by the nurse is to:
auscultate for the presence of bilateral breath sounds.
Use an end-tidal C02 monitor to check for placement in the trachea.
Observe the chest for symmetrical movement with ventilation.
Obtain a portable chest radiograph to check tube placement.
The Correct Answer is C
The nurse should listen over both lung fields to ensure that air entry is present bilaterally, indicating that the tube is correctly positioned in the trachea. This comes after observing chest movements.
B. Using an end-tidal CO2 monitor to check for placement in the trachea in (option B) is incorrect because End-tidal CO2 monitoring can provide confirmation of correct tube placement in the trachea by detecting exhaled CO2 levels. However, it requires additional equipment and setup, which may not be readily available at the bedside or immediately accessible.
C. Observing the chest for symmetrical movement with ventilation is the initial action after placing an endotracheal tube.
D. Obtaining a portable chest radiograph to check tube placement (option D) is incorrect because Chest radiographs are commonly used to confirm endotracheal tube placement, especially for long-term confirmation or if there are concerns about placement. However, obtaining a portable chest radiograph may involve delays and is not the initial action to be taken for immediate verification.
Therefore, the best initial action by the nurse to verify the correct placement of an endotracheal tube (ET) after insertion is to auscultate for the presence of bilateral breath sounds.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Urine output is an essential indicator of renal perfusion and overall fluid status. In a patient in shock, maintaining an adequate urine output is a crucial goal of fluid resuscitation. A urine output of 0.5 to 1 mL/kg/hour is generally considered adequate in adults. The given value of 35 ml over the last hour suggests that the patient is producing urine, which indicates that fluid resuscitation is effective in restoring perfusion to the kidneys.
A. The patient's mean arterial pressure (MAP) is 50 mm Hg in (option A) is incorrect because While mean arterial pressure is an important hemodynamic parameter, a single value alone may not provide a comprehensive assessment of the patient's response to fluid resuscitation.
B. The patient's GCS score is 9 in (option B) is incorrect because The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) assesses the level of consciousness and neurological function but does not directly reflect fluid resuscitation effectiveness.
D. The patient's hemoglobin is within normal limits: (option D) is incorrect because Haemoglobin levels are important for assessing oxygen-carrying capacity but do not directly indicate the effectiveness of fluid resuscitation.
Therefore, the nurse can evaluate that fluid resuscitation for a 70 kg patient in shock is effective by observing a urine output of 35 ml over the last hour.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Hemorrhagic shock is characterized by severe blood loss, leading to inadequate tissue perfusion and hypovolemia. The primary goal in the initial management of hemorrhagic shock is to restore intravascular volume and improve tissue perfusion. Administering intravenous fluids, such as normal saline solution, is a critical intervention to address hypovolemia and improve blood pressure.
A. Give Plasmanate 1 unit now in (option A) is incorrect because: Plasmanate is a plasma-derived product used to replace coagulation factors. While it may be necessary to address coagulation abnormalities, administering intravenous fluids to restore volume takes priority over specific blood products.
B. Prepare for endotracheal intubation in (option B) is incorrect because Endotracheal intubation may be required in cases of impending respiratory failure or compromised airway, but it should not be the first action in addressing hypovolemic shock.
D. Type and crossmatch for 4 units of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) in (option D) is incorrect because transferring packed red blood cells is an important intervention to address blood loss and improve oxygen-carrying capacity. However, before administering blood products, it is crucial to stabilize the patient's hemodynamics through fluid resuscitation.
Therefore, in a patient with hemorrhagic shock, the nurse's first priority among the given options is to give normal saline solution of 250 mL/hr to restore intravascular volume and improve tissue perfusion.

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