A nurse caring for a patient in the intensive care unit (ICU) implements strategies to create an environment conducive to sleep. Which strategy would be most effective?
- A. Turning off the lights in the room during the night
- B. Having the television on at all times for background noise
- C. Silencing the alarms on the bedside monitor and infusion pumps
- D. Administering ordered analgesics around the clock, even if the patient denies pain
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Turning off the lights minimizes disruption to the patient's circadian rhythm. Background noise (B) and silencing alarms (C) may not always be feasible, and unnecessary analgesics (D) could interfere with sleep.
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What is the priority intervention for a patient admitted to your unit diagnosed with advanced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)?
- A. Develop a method of communication.
- B. Provide six small meals high in protein and assist with feeding.
- C. Do not involve the patient in decisions about his healthcare because he is not in the mental state to respond.
- D. Provide six normal meals high in protein and assist with feeding.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Communication becomes critical as ALS progresses and affects motor functions.
Which statement by a patient with diabetes indicates an understanding of the medication insulin glargine injection (Lantus)?
- A. Lantus causes weight loss.
- B. Lantus is used only at night.
- C. The duration of Lantus is six hours.
- D. There is no peak time for Lantus.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Lantus is a long-acting insulin with no distinct peak action.
You are the charge nurse. Which client is most appropriate to assign to the step-down unit nurse pulled to the intensive care unit for the day?
- A. A 68-year-old client on ventilator with acute respiratory failure and respiratory acidosis
- B. A 72-year-old client with COPD and normal arterial blood gases (ABGs) who is ventilator-dependent
- C. A 56-year-old new admission client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) on an insulin drip
- D. A 38-year-old client on a ventilator with narcotic overdose and respiratory alkalosis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A client with stable ABGs and ventilator dependence is less complex compared to other options, making them suitable for a step-down nurse temporarily working in ICU.
A client in an emergency department has a sucking chest wound resulting from a gunshot. The client has a blood pressure of 100/60 mm Hg, a weak pulse rate of 118/min, and a respiratory rate of 40/min. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Raise the foot of the bed to a 90° angle
- B. Remove the dressing to inspect the wound
- C. Prepare to insert a central line
- D. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Administer oxygen via nasal cannula. In a client with a sucking chest wound, the priority is to ensure adequate oxygenation due to potential respiratory compromise. Administering oxygen via nasal cannula will help improve oxygenation and support the client's respiratory function. This action takes precedence over other interventions as hypoxia can lead to further deterioration.
A: Raising the foot of the bed to a 90° angle is not indicated in this situation as it does not address the immediate need for oxygenation.
B: Removing the dressing to inspect the wound can worsen the condition by disrupting any seals in place to prevent air from entering the chest cavity.
C: Preparing to insert a central line is not the priority in this situation as the client's respiratory status needs to be stabilized first.
A client is 1-day postoperative following a left lower lobectomy and has a chest tube in place. When assessing the client's three-chamber drainage system, the nurse notes that there is no bubbling in the suction control chamber. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Continue to monitor the client as this is an expected finding.
- B. Add more water to the suction control chamber of the drainage system.
- C. Verify that the suction regulator is on and check the tubing for leaks.
- D. Milk the chest tube and dislodge any clots in the tubing that are occluding it.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Verify that the suction regulator is on and check the tubing for leaks.
Rationale:
1. Lack of bubbling in the suction control chamber indicates suction may not be working.
2. Checking the suction regulator ensures it is on and at the correct level for proper drainage.
3. Checking tubing for leaks ensures the system is intact and functioning properly.
4. This intervention addresses the potential issue of inadequate suction, which can affect the client's postoperative recovery.
Summary:
- Option A: Continuing to monitor is not appropriate as lack of bubbling suggests an issue with suction.
- Option B: Adding more water to the suction control chamber is unnecessary and does not address the root cause.
- Option D: Milking the chest tube is not recommended as it can cause trauma and dislodging clots may lead to complications.