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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
A. Chronic hypertension is a significant risk factor for the development of various cardiac diseases, including coronary artery disease, left ventricular hypertrophy, heart failure, and arrhythmias. The increased workload on the heart caused by hypertension can lead to myocardial remodeling, impaired cardiac function, and ultimately heart disease.
B. Chronic hypertension can cause damage to the kidneys over time, leading to renal insufficiency or chronic kidney disease. The elevated blood pressure damages the delicate blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste products and regulate fluid and electrolyte balance. Persistent hypertension can ultimately lead to kidney dysfunction and renal failure.
C. Hypertension is a major risk factor for the development of stroke, particularly ischemic stroke (caused by a blockage in a blood vessel supplying the brain) and hemorrhagic stroke (caused by bleeding into the brain). Chronic hypertension can damage blood vessels in the brain, leading to the formation of blood clots or weakening of vessel walls, increasing the risk of stroke.
E. Chronic hypertension is a significant risk factor for the development of atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heart rhythm characterized by rapid and chaotic electrical activity in the upper chambers of the heart (atria). The structural changes in the heart caused by hypertension, such as left atrial enlargement and fibrosis, can predispose individuals to atrial fibrillation.
D. Familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic disorder characterized by high levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood. While chronic hypertension itself does not directly cause familial hypercholesterolemia, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia are often comorbid conditions that contribute to cardiovascular risk. Both conditions can lead to atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
F. Isolated systolic hypertension refers to elevated systolic blood pressure with normal diastolic blood pressure. While isolated systolic hypertension itself is a manifestation of hypertension, it is not a direct result of end-organ damage. However, if left untreated, isolated systolic hypertension can lead to complications such as stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease, which are consequences of end-organ damage from chronic hypertension.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. A client who is postoperative with shallow respirations at a rate of 9/min is likely not adequately eliminating carbon dioxide from their body due to hypoventilation. This retention of carbon dioxide can lead to an increase in the partial pressure of CO2 in the blood, causing an acidotic state.
A. Metabolic acidosis results from an accumulation of acids in the body or a loss of bicarbonate. Hypoventilation leading to respiratory acidosis does not directly cause metabolic acidosis.
C. Respiratory alkalosis occurs when there is excessive elimination of CO2 from the body, leading to decreased arterial carbon dioxide levels (hypocapnia) and an increase in pH. Shallow respirations and decreased respiratory rate are more consistent with hypoventilation and respiratory acidosis rather than hyperventilation and respiratory alkalosis.
D. Metabolic alkalosis results from excessive loss of acids or increased bicarbonate levels in the body. Hypoventilation leading to respiratory acidosis does not directly cause metabolic alkalosis.

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