When planning care for a patient on a mechanical ventilator, the nurse understands that the application of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) to the ventilator settings has which therapeutic effect?

Need for increased FiO2 administration.

Increased inflation of the lungs.

Prevention of alveolar collapse during expiration.

Prevention of barotrauma to the lung tissue.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason:

The application of PEEP does not inherently increase the need for FiO2 (fraction of inspired oxygen) administration. PEEP helps improve oxygenation, potentially reducing the need for higher FiO2 levels.

Choice B reason:

While PEEP can contribute to better lung inflation by keeping the alveoli open, this is a secondary effect. The primary goal of PEEP is to prevent alveolar collapse at the end of expiration.

Choice C reason:

PEEP prevents alveolar collapse during expiration, which is its primary therapeutic effect. By maintaining a certain level of pressure in the lungs at the end of expiration, PEEP ensures that the alveoli remain open, improving gas exchange and oxygenation.

Choice D reason:

Although PEEP can help reduce the risk of atelectasis (collapse of part or all of a lung), it does not directly prevent barotrauma. Barotrauma is related to high airway pressures, and careful monitoring of ventilator settings is necessary to avoid it.

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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. The patient is coughing B. The ETT has a cuff leak C. The ventilator tubing has become disconnected D. The patient is complaining of a headache 8/10 pain

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason:

The patient coughing is the most likely cause of the high pressure alarm on a mechanical ventilator. Coughing can increase airway resistance and pressure, triggering the alarm. This is a common occurrence and should be addressed by assessing the patient's need for suctioning or other interventions to relieve the cough.

Choice B reason:

An endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff leak would typically cause a low pressure alarm, not a high pressure alarm. A cuff leak results in a loss of pressure within the ventilator circuit, leading to insufficient ventilation and a different alarm response.

Choice C reason:

If the ventilator tubing becomes disconnected, it would result in a low pressure alarm due to the loss of circuit integrity. A disconnection is a serious issue that needs immediate correction but does not cause high pressure alarms.

Choice D reason:

The patient's complaint of a headache does not directly relate to a high pressure alarm on the ventilator. While patient discomfort should always be addressed, it is not the most likely cause of the alarm in this scenario.

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When planning care for a patient on a mechanical ventilator, the nurse understands that the application of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) to the ventilator settings has which therapeutic effect?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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