A nurse is caring for a client on mechanical ventilation and finds the client agitated and thrashing about. What action by the nurse is most appropriate?
- A. Assess the cause of the agitation
- B. Reassure the client that he or she is safe
- C. Restrain the client's hands
- D. Sedate the client immediately
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Determining the cause of agitation (e.g., pain, hypoxia, or anxiety) is the first step to address the underlying issue. Restraints or sedation may be needed but are not the initial action.
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The nurse caring for mechanically ventilated clients uses best practices to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. What actions are included in this practice? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Adherence to proper hand hygiene
- B. Administering anti-ulcer medication
- C. Elevating the head of the bed
- D. Providing oral care per protocol
- E. Suctioning the client on a regular schedule
Correct Answer: A,B,C,D
Rationale: The ventilator bundle to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia includes hand hygiene, anti-ulcer medications, elevating the head of the bed (30"?45 degrees), and frequent oral care. Suctioning is performed as needed, not on a fixed schedule.
A client has been brought to the emergency department with a life-threatening chest injury. What action by the nurse takes priority?
- A. Apply oxygen at 100%
- B. Assess the respiratory rate
- C. Ensure a patent airway
- D. Start two large-bore IV lines
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: For chest trauma, the priority follows the ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation). Ensuring a patent airway is the first step to stabilize the client.
A client is on mechanical ventilation and the client's spouse wonders why ranitidine (Zantac) is needed since the client only has lung problems. What response by the nurse is best?
- A. It will increase the motility of the gastrointestinal tract
- B. It will keep the gastrointestinal tract functioning normally
- C. It will prepare the gastrointestinal tract for enteral feedings
- D. It will prevent ulcers from the stress of mechanical ventilation
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Ranitidine, a histamine blocker, is used prophylactically to prevent stress ulcers, which are common in mechanically ventilated clients due to physiological stress.
A student nurse is preparing to administer enoxaparin (Lovenox) to a client. What action by the student requires immediate intervention by the supervising nurse?
- A. Assessing the client's platelet count
- B. Choosing an 18-gauge, 2-inch needle
- C. Not aspirating prior to injection
- D. Swabbing the injection site with alcohol
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Enoxaparin is administered subcutaneously, requiring a smaller needle (e.g., 25"?26 gauge, 5/8 inch). An 18-gauge, 2-inch needle is inappropriate and could cause harm.
A nurse answers a call light and finds a client anxious, short of breath, reporting chest pain, and having a blood pressure of 88/52 mm Hg. What action by the nurse is best?
- A. Administer oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula
- B. Obtain a STAT chest X-ray
- C. Prepare to administer thrombolytic therapy
- D. Monitor the client's blood pressure every 15 minutes
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The client's symptoms of anxiety, shortness of breath, chest pain, and hypotension suggest a pulmonary embolism, which can significantly impair gas exchange. Thrombolytic therapy is indicated for a large pulmonary embolism causing hemodynamic instability, as it can dissolve the clot and restore oxygenation.
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