Which of the following is an appropriate nursing intervention for a patient with a pulmonary artery catheter?
Assist with ambulation
Administer a diuretic medication
Administer a vasopressor medication
Monitor central venous pressure
The Correct Answer is D
D. Monitoring central venous pressure (CVP) is an appropriate nursing intervention for a patient with a pulmonary artery catheter. While the pulmonary artery catheter primarily provides information about pulmonary artery pressures and cardiac output, it can also be used to measure central venous pressure. Monitoring CVP can help assess the patient's fluid status, right ventricular function, and response to fluid resuscitation. This intervention is directly relevant to the presence of the pulmonary artery catheter and helps guide patient management.
A. Assist with ambulation: It's not typically appropriate to assist a patient with ambulation while they have a pulmonary artery catheter in place. This catheter is inserted into the pulmonary artery and is used to monitor various hemodynamic parameters such as pulmonary artery pressure, cardiac output, and mixed venous oxygen saturation. Ambulation could disrupt the catheter placement or lead to complications such as bleeding or dislodgement.
B. Administering a diuretic medication may not be directly related to the presence of a pulmonary artery catheter. The use of diuretics is typically based on the patient's clinical condition and the healthcare provider's assessment of their fluid status and renal function. While information obtained from the pulmonary artery catheter, such as pulmonary artery pressure and cardiac output, may inform the decision-making process regarding diuretic therapy, the catheter itself does not dictate the administration of diuretics.
C. Administering a vasopressor medication may be appropriate for a patient with a pulmonary artery catheter if they are experiencing hypotension or shock. However, the decision to administer vasopressors should be based on the patient's hemodynamic parameters as assessed through the pulmonary artery catheter monitoring, along with clinical judgment and consideration of the underlying cause of the hypotension.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. Oral hygiene is crucial in reducing the risk of VAP as it helps to reduce the bacterial load in the oral cavity, which can be aspirated into the lower respiratory tract. Using a suction toothbrush to mechanically remove dental plaque and bacteria from the teeth and oral mucosa can help to prevent VAP.
A. Elevating the head of the bed to between 30 and 45 degrees (semi-recumbent position) is recommended to prevent aspiration of oral or gastric contents, which can contribute to the development of VAP. This position helps to promote drainage of secretions and reduces the risk of reflux.
B. While maintaining appropriate humidity levels in the ventilator tubing helps to prevent drying of the respiratory mucosa and promote secretion clearance, it does not directly reduce the risk of VAP. Other interventions are more directly related to VAP prevention.
C. Regular turning and repositioning of the client help to prevent pooling of secretions, improve ventilation-perfusion matching, and reduce the risk of pressure ulcers. Turning the client every 2 hours is often recommended to optimize lung expansion and secretion clearance, thereby reducing the risk of VAP.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. Amiodarone is a Class III antiarrhythmic medication commonly used for the acute management of atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular rate. It works by blocking multiple ion channels, prolonging the action potential duration, and slowing conduction in the atria and ventricles. Amiodarone is often used when other interventions such as vagal maneuvers or beta blockers are ineffective or contraindicated. In this scenario, where the patient is hypotensive and symptomatic, intravenous amiodarone may be administered to control the ventricular rate and stabilize hemodynamics
A. Bearing down, or the Valsalva maneuver, is a vagal maneuver that can sometimes help slow the heart rate in certain arrhythmias by increasing parasympathetic tone. However, it may not be effective or safe in all situations, especially if the patient is hypotensive or confused. In this scenario, immediate pharmacological intervention is likely needed to control the heart rate and stabilize hemodynamics.
B. Lidocaine is not typically used to treat atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular rate. Lidocaine is a Class IB antiarrhythmic medication primarily used for the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. It is not considered a first-line agent for atrial fibrillation and may not effectively control the ventricular rate in this situation.
D. While beta blockers are commonly used for rate control in atrial fibrillation, they may not be the best choice in this scenario where the patient is hypotensive and symptomatic. Beta blockers can further decrease blood pressure and exacerbate hypotension, especially in patients with compromised hemodynamics. In such cases, other rate-controlling agents like calcium channel blockers or amiodarone may be preferred.
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