A patient with respiratory failure has arterial pressure-based cardiac output (APCO) monitoring and is receiving mechanical ventilation with peak end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) of 12 cm H2O. Which information indicates that a change in the ventilator settings may be required?
- A. The arterial pressure is 90/46.
- B. The heart rate is 58 beats/minute.
- C. The stroke volume is increased.
- D. The stroke volume variation is 12%.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. A decrease in the arterial pressure (hypotension) with a low diastolic pressure (46 mmHg) may indicate inadequate perfusion, possibly due to inadequate cardiac output from the mechanical ventilation. This suggests that a change in ventilator settings may be required to improve oxygenation and perfusion.
Option B is incorrect because a heart rate of 58 beats/minute alone does not provide direct information on the patient's hemodynamic status. Option C is incorrect as an increased stroke volume would usually be a positive indicator; it does not necessarily indicate a need for changing the ventilator settings. Option D is incorrect as a stroke volume variation of 12% is within normal limits and does not necessarily require a change in ventilator settings.
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What is a strategy for preventing thromboembolism in pat ients at risk who cannot take anticoagulants?
- A. Administration of two aspirin tablets every 4 hours.
- B. Infusion of thrombolytics.
- C. Insertion of a vena cava filter.
- D. Subcutaneous heparin administration every 12 hours.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Insertion of a vena cava filter. This is a strategy for preventing thromboembolism in patients at risk who cannot take anticoagulants. The vena cava filter prevents blood clots from traveling to the lungs by trapping them in the inferior vena cava. It is a mechanical device that does not interfere with the body's clotting process.
Explanation of why other choices are incorrect:
A: Administration of two aspirin tablets every 4 hours is not an effective strategy for preventing thromboembolism in high-risk patients. Aspirin is an antiplatelet agent and may not be sufficient for preventing blood clots in these patients.
B: Infusion of thrombolytics is used for breaking down blood clots that have already formed, not for prevention. It is not a suitable option for preventing thromboembolism in at-risk patients.
D: Subcutaneous heparin administration every 12
The nurse is caring for a patient who requires administration of a neuromuscular blocking (NMB) agent to facilitate ventilation with non-traditional m odes. The nurse understands that neuromuscular blocking agents provide what outcome?
- A. Lessened antianxiety
- B. Complete analgesia.
- C. High levels of sedation.
- D. No sedation or analgesia.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: No sedation or analgesia. Neuromuscular blocking agents do not provide sedation or pain relief; they solely act on skeletal muscles to induce paralysis for procedures like intubation. Choice A is incorrect because NMB agents do not affect anxiety levels. Choice B is incorrect because NMB agents do not provide analgesia. Choice C is incorrect because NMB agents do not induce sedation. The primary purpose of NMB agents is to induce muscle paralysis without affecting consciousness or pain perception.
A patient in the ICU has recently been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. Before being discharged, this patient will require detailed instructions on how to manage her diet, how to self-inject insulin, and how to handle future diabetic emergencies. Which nurse competency is most needed in this situation?
- A. Clinical judgment
- B. Advocacy and moral agency
- C. Caring practices
- D. Facilitation of learning
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Facilitation of learning. In this scenario, the nurse needs to effectively educate the patient on managing her diet, insulin injections, and handling emergencies. Facilitation of learning involves assessing the patient's learning needs, providing relevant information, demonstrating skills, and evaluating understanding. This competency is crucial for promoting patient education and empowerment in managing their condition.
A: Clinical judgment involves making decisions based on assessment data, which is important but not the primary focus in this situation.
B: Advocacy and moral agency involve standing up for patients' rights and values, which is important but not as directly relevant to the patient's education needs.
C: Caring practices involve showing empathy and compassion, which are essential but not the main competency required for educational purposes in this case.
Which nursing strategies help the patient to feel safe in the critical care setting? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Allow family members to remain at the bedside.
- B. Be sure to consult with the charge nurse before making any patient care decisions.
- C. Provide informal conversation by discussing your planasb ifrbo.rc oamf/tteesrt work.
- D. Explain how to communicate for assistance.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because allowing family members to remain at the bedside can provide emotional support and comfort to the patient, helping them feel safe in the critical care setting. Family presence can also facilitate communication and understanding between the healthcare team and the patient.
Choice B is incorrect because consulting with the charge nurse before making patient care decisions may not directly contribute to the patient feeling safe.
Choice C is incorrect because providing informal conversation about work-related topics may not address the patient's need for safety and security in the critical care setting.
Choice D is incorrect because explaining how to communicate for assistance is important for patient care but may not directly contribute to the patient's sense of safety in the critical care setting.
Which of the following factors predispose the critically ill patient to pain and anxiety? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Inability to communicate
- B. Invasive procedures
- C. Monitoring devices
- D. Preexisting conditions
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Inability to communicate. Critically ill patients often experience pain and anxiety due to their inability to effectively communicate their needs and discomfort. This can lead to unaddressed pain and increased anxiety levels. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while invasive procedures, monitoring devices, and preexisting conditions can contribute to pain and anxiety in critically ill patients, they are not factors that directly predispose patients to these issues. It is the lack of communication that significantly hinders the ability to address and manage pain and anxiety effectively in these patients.
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