When admitting a patient with possible respiratory failure and a high PaCO2, which assessment information should be immediately reported to the health care provider?

The patient's blood pressure is 164/98.

The patient appears somnolent.

The patient's oxygen saturation is 90%.

The patient reports feeling weak.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

B Somnolence, or excessive sleepiness, can indicate respiratory depression, hypercapnia (elevated PaCO2), or impending respiratory failure. Somnolence in this context is concerning as it may suggest worsening respiratory status and impending respiratory compromise. Therefore, it should be immediately reported to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and intervention.

A blood pressure of 164/98 mmHg is elevated but may not necessarily require immediate intervention, especially if the patient is not exhibiting signs of acute hypertensive crisis or end-organ damage.

However, it should be closely monitored and managed as appropriate. While hypertension may contribute to respiratory distress, it may not be the most critical finding to report immediately in a patient with possible respiratory failure and a high PaCO2.

C An oxygen saturation of 90% indicates hypoxemia, which can exacerbate respiratory failure and contribute to respiratory distress. While hypoxemia requires prompt intervention to improve oxygenation, it may not be the most critical finding to report immediately if the patient is not showing signs of severe respiratory distress or impending respiratory failure. However, it should be closely monitored and managed to prevent further deterioration.

D Weakness is a nonspecific symptom and may be related to various underlying causes, including respiratory failure, electrolyte imbalances, or systemic illness. While weakness warrants further assessment and management, it may not be the most urgent finding to report immediately in a patient with possible respiratory failure and a high PaCO2 unless it is accompanied by other concerning symptoms or signs of impending respiratory compromise.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

D. A pulmonary artery catheter is used to monitor hemodynamic status. It provides valuable information about cardiac function, preload, afterload, and cardiac output. By measuring parameters such as pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary artery wedge pressure, and central venous pressure, a pulmonary artery catheter helps assess the effectiveness of cardiac function and guide management in critically ill patients, especially those with conditions such as heart failure, shock, or pulmonary hypertension.

A. A pulmonary artery catheter, also known as a Swan-Ganz catheter, is not used to monitor intracranial pressure. Instead, it is primarily used to assess hemodynamic status and cardiac function by measuring parameters such as pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary artery wedge pressure, central venous pressure, and cardiac output.

B. A pulmonary artery catheter is not used to directly monitor renal function. While changes in hemodynamic status can impact renal perfusion and function, the primary purpose of a pulmonary artery catheter is to assess cardiac function and hemodynamics, rather than renal function.

C. A pulmonary artery catheter is not used to monitor spinal cord perfusion. Although alterations in hemodynamic status can affect spinal cord perfusion indirectly, the main purpose of a pulmonary artery catheter is to evaluate cardiac function and hemodynamics.

A. Hypotension due to neurogenic shock B. Hypotension due to septic shock C. Hypotension due to hypovolemic shock D. Hypotension due to cardiogenic shock

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

C. its use in hypovolemic shock is generally not appropriate because the primary treatment for hypovolemic shock is fluid resuscitation to address the volume loss.

A. Dopamine is often used in neurogenic shock to increase systemic vascular resistance and improve blood pressure. Therefore, dopamine is an appropriate choice for the management of hypotension due to neurogenic shock.

B. Dopamine is commonly used in septic shock to improve cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance. It helps to support blood pressure and perfusion in septic shock patients.

D. It is indicated for cardiogenic shock as it increases cardiac contractility.

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When admitting a patient with possible respiratory failure and a high PaCO2, which assessment information should be immediately reported to the health care provider?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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