When caring for a client with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), why does the nurse elevate the head of the bed 30 degrees?
- A. To reduce abdominal pressure on the diaphragm
- B. To promote retraction of the intercostal accessory muscles of respiration
- C. To promote bronchodilation and effective airway clearance
- D. To decrease pressure on the medullary center which stimulates breathing
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed to 30 degrees is done to reduce abdominal pressure on the diaphragm, aiding in lung expansion and oxygenation. This position helps improve respiratory mechanics by allowing the diaphragm to move more effectively. Choice B is incorrect as elevating the head of the bed does not directly promote retraction of the intercostal accessory muscles of respiration. Choice C is incorrect because although elevating the head of the bed can assist with airway clearance, its primary purpose in ARDS is to decrease pressure on the diaphragm. Choice D is incorrect because reducing pressure on the medullary center is not the main goal of elevating the head of the bed; the focus is on enhancing lung function and oxygen exchange.
You may also like to solve these questions
The healthcare provider is completing a head-to-toe assessment for a client admitted for observation after falling out of a tree. Which finding warrants immediate intervention by the healthcare provider?
- A. Sluggish pupillary response to light
- B. Clear fluid leaking from the nose
- C. Complaint of severe headache
- D. Periorbital ecchymosis of the right eye
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Clear fluid leaking from the nose is concerning for cerebrospinal fluid leakage, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention. Sluggish pupillary response to light may indicate neurological issues but is not as urgent as CSF leakage. Complaint of severe headache is important but not as critical as the possibility of CSF leakage. Periorbital ecchymosis of the right eye could be indicative of trauma but does not pose an immediate threat to the patient's life.
A postpartum client who is bottle feeding develops breast engorgement. What is the best recommendation for the nurse to provide this client?
- A. Take a prescribed analgesic and expose breasts to air
- B. Place warm packs on both breasts
- C. Avoid stimulation of the breasts and wear a tight bra
- D. Express a small amount of breast milk by hand
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: For a postpartum client who is bottle feeding and develops breast engorgement, the best recommendation is to avoid stimulation of the breasts and wear a tight bra. This helps reduce engorgement by decreasing blood flow to the breasts. Option A is incorrect because exposing the breasts to air can further stimulate them, worsening engorgement. Option B is incorrect as warm packs can increase blood flow and exacerbate engorgement. Option D is incorrect as expressing breast milk can lead to further stimulation and increased engorgement.
After an unsuccessful resuscitation attempt, the nurse calls the family of the deceased. The family wishes to see the body before it is taken to the funeral home. Which interventions should the nurse take to prepare the body before the family enters the room? (Select all that apply)
- A. Take out dentures and place them in a labeled cup
- B. Apply a body shroud
- C. Place a small pillow under the head
- D. Gently close the eyes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct interventions for the nurse to prepare the body before the family enters the room include taking out dentures and placing them in a labeled cup. This is essential to ensure the dignity of the deceased and maintain their appearance. Applying a body shroud is not typically done before the family views the body, as it may be more appropriate during preparation for transportation to the funeral home. Placing a small pillow under the head and gently closing the eyes are actions that can be comforting but are not essential preparations for the family viewing.
The nurse is planning to assess a client's oxygen saturation to determine if additional oxygen is needed via nasal cannula. The client has bilateral below-the-knee amputations and weak, thread pedal pulses. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Document that an accurate oxygen saturation reading cannot be obtained
- B. Elevate the client's hands for five minutes prior to obtaining a reading from the finger
- C. Increase the oxygen based on the client's breathing patterns and lung sounds
- D. Place the oximeter clip on the earlobe to obtain the oxygen saturation reading
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Placing the oximeter clip on the earlobe is appropriate for clients with poor peripheral circulation, such as those with weak and thread pedal pulses due to bilateral below-the-knee amputations. This placement can provide a more accurate reading of oxygen saturation in such clients. Choice A is incorrect because alternative methods, such as earlobe placement, can be used to obtain accurate readings. Choice B is unnecessary and not related to obtaining an accurate oxygen saturation reading. Choice C is incorrect because increasing oxygen without assessing the oxygen saturation level first can be detrimental and is not based on evidence-based practice.
The nurse is preparing to send a client to the cardiac catheterization lab for an angioplasty. Which client report is most important for the nurse to explore further prior to the start of the procedure?
- A. Verbalizes a fear of being in a confined space.
- B. Drank a glass of water in the past 2 hours.
- C. Reports left chest wall pain prior to admission.
- D. Experiences facial swelling after eating crab
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Left chest wall pain could indicate ongoing cardiac issues or instability, which needs to be assessed before proceeding with the procedure. This pain could be related to the heart and may suggest a potential risk during the angioplasty. Options A, B, and D do not directly relate to cardiac complications during the procedure, making them less urgent for immediate assessment. Fear of confined spaces, drinking water, and facial swelling after eating crab are not immediate risks to the client's safety in the context of a cardiac catheterization procedure.