While caring for a patient with a pulmonary artery catheter, the nurse notes the pulmonary artery pressure to be significantly higher than previously recorded values. The nurse assesses respirations to be unlabored at 16 breaths/min, oxygen saturation of 98% on 3 L of oxygen via nasal cannula, and lungs clear to auscultation bilaterally. What is the priority nursing action?
Obtain a stat chest x-ray to verify proper catheter placement.
Zero reference and level the catheter at the phlebostatic-axis.
Increase supplemental oxygen and notify respiratory therapy.
Notify the provider immediately of the assessment findings.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Obtaining a stat chest x-ray is important if catheter misplacement is suspected, but in this situation, ensuring the accuracy of the pressure reading through proper leveling and zeroing is the priority.
B. Zero referencing and leveling the catheter at the phlebostatic axis is essential to ensure accurate readings of the pulmonary artery pressure, which is critical for patient assessment and management.
C. Increasing supplemental oxygen is unnecessary given the patient’s stable oxygen saturation and normal respiratory status.
D. While notifying the provider is important, ensuring the accuracy of the pressure reading by leveling and zeroing the catheter should be done first.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. There is no time to wait for a DNR order in an emergency; immediate action is needed.
B. Without a written DNR order, the nurse is legally and ethically obligated to initiate CPR and call the emergency response team to attempt to save the client’s life.
C. Contacting the risk manager is not an immediate action that would benefit the patient in this emergency situation.
D. The family’s wishes cannot be respected in this scenario without a formal DNR order in place; thus, the nurse must perform CPR.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
A. Crackles are more commonly associated with left ventricular failure, which leads to pulmonary congestion.
B. Hepatomegaly, or an enlarged liver, is a sign of right ventricular failure due to blood backing up in the systemic circulation.
C. Jugular venous distention is a classic sign of right ventricular failure as blood accumulates in the venous system.
D. Orthopnea, or difficulty breathing while lying down, is more indicative of left ventricular failure.
E. Peripheral edema is a hallmark of right ventricular failure, resulting from increased venous pressure.
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