While a nurse is caring for a client who is receiving mechanical ventilation via an endotracheal tube, the high-pressure alarm on the ventilator sounds. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Request insertion of a tracheostomy tube.
Suction the client's airway.
Tighten the tubing connections.
Look for a leak in the tube's cuff.
The Correct Answer is B
Answer: B
Rationale:
A) Request insertion of a tracheostomy tube: The high-pressure alarm on a ventilator typically indicates increased resistance to airflow within the airway, which may be due to secretions, bronchospasm, or another obstruction. Requesting insertion of a tracheostomy tube is not the first action the nurse should take in response to a high-pressure alarm. Instead, the nurse should assess and manage potential causes of increased airway resistance before considering a change in airway management.
B) Suction the client's airway: Suctioning the client's airway is the priority action in response to a high-pressure alarm on the ventilator. Increased airway pressure may be due to secretions or a mucus plug, leading to airway obstruction. Suctioning helps clear the airway and restore effective ventilation.
C) Tighten the tubing connections: While loose tubing connections can contribute to air leaks and decreased ventilation efficiency, they are not the primary cause of a high-pressure alarm. Tightening tubing connections may be necessary but is not the initial action in response to a high-pressure alarm.
D) Look for a leak in the tube's cuff: Checking for a leak in the endotracheal tube cuff is essential to ensure an adequate seal and prevent aspiration. However, it is not the first action the nurse should take in response to a high-pressure alarm. The priority is to address potential airway obstruction by suctioning the client's airway to remove secretions or other obstructions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "Eat a high-fat snack at bedtime": Consuming high-fat foods, especially close to bedtime, can exacerbate heartburn symptoms. Fatty foods delay gastric emptying and can contribute to increased acid production, leading to heartburn. Therefore, advising the client to avoid high-fat snacks before bedtime is essential for managing heartburn.
B. "Sip carbonated beverages throughout the day": Carbonated beverages, including soda and sparkling water, can exacerbate heartburn symptoms due to their acidic nature and carbonation. Therefore, advising the client to avoid or limit carbonated beverages is essential for managing heartburn.
C. "Drink hot herbal tea to relieve symptoms": Herbal teas such as chamomile or ginger tea can help alleviate heartburn symptoms by promoting digestion and soothing the gastrointestinal tract. Warm beverages can have a soothing effect on the esophagus and stomach, potentially providing relief from heartburn discomfort. Therefore, advising the client to drink hot herbal tea to relieve symptoms is an appropriate recommendation.
D. "Lie down for 30 min after meals": Remaining upright for at least 30 minutes after meals can help prevent acid reflux and reduce the risk of heartburn. However, lying down immediately after eating can worsen heartburn symptoms by allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. Therefore, advising the client to lie down for 30 minutes after meals is not an appropriate instruction for managing heartburn.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Lift the traction weights when repositioning the child in bed.
This action should not be included in the plan of care because lifting the traction weights can interfere with the traction's effectiveness and potentially cause harm or injury to the child. The weights are specifically calibrated to provide the necessary tension for the traction to stabilize the fracture site.
B. Have the child rate their level of pain every 8 hours.
While pain assessment is an essential component of nursing care, the frequency of every 8 hours may not be sufficient, especially for a child in skeletal traction. Pain management should be more frequent and individualized based on the child's needs, which may vary throughout the day.
C. Monitor the neurovascular status of the child's lower extremities every 12 hours.
Neurovascular assessment is crucial for patients in traction to detect any signs of compromised circulation or nerve function. However, every 12 hours may not be frequent enough to promptly identify changes in neurovascular status. More frequent assessments, such as every 1-2 hours initially and then gradually decreasing based on stability, are typically recommended.
D. Educate the child's guardians about pin site care prior to discharge.
This is the correct answer. Educating the child's guardians about pin site care is essential to prevent infection and other complications associated with skeletal traction. Proper care of the pin sites reduces the risk of infection, which can lead to serious complications such as osteomyelitis. Providing education prior to discharge ensures that the guardians are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to care for the child at home effectively.
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