The nurse is preparing to measure the thermodilution cardaiabicrb o.cuomtp/tuest t (TdCO) in a patient being monitored with a pulmonary artery catheter. Which action by the nurse best ensures the safety of the patient?
- A. Ensure the transducer system is zero referenced at the level of the phlebostatic axis.
- B. Avoid infusing vasoactive agents in the port used to ob tain the TdCO measurement.
- C. Maintain a pressure of 300 mm Hg on the flush solutioanbi rub.scionmg/t eas tp ressure bag.
- D. Limit the length of the noncompliant pressure tubing to a maximum 48 inches.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Avoid infusing vasoactive agents in the port used to obtain the TdCO measurement. This action ensures patient safety by preventing the introduction of vasoactive agents directly into the bloodstream during the measurement process. Infusing vasoactive agents can lead to inaccurate TdCO readings and potentially harm the patient.
Choice A is incorrect because zero referencing the transducer system at the level of the phlebostatic axis is important for accurate pressure monitoring but not directly related to TdCO measurement safety.
Choice C is incorrect as maintaining a pressure of 300 mm Hg on the flush solution bag is not directly related to the safety of TdCO measurement.
Choice D is incorrect as limiting the length of noncompliant pressure tubing is important for accurate pressure readings but not directly related to the safety of TdCO measurement.
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A Muslim woman is admitted to the ICU after suffering severe burns over most of her body. Which of the following would be the most appropriate measure for the nurse, a woman, to take in respect for the cultural practices of this patient?
- A. Insist that only a female doctor be assigned to this patient.
- B. Ensure that no pork products are included in the patients diet.
- C. Ensure that direct eye contact is not made with the patients husband.
- D. Ask the patients husband what religious and cultural preferences should be considered in the patients care.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it demonstrates respect for the patient's autonomy and individual preferences. By asking the patient's husband about religious and cultural preferences, the nurse acknowledges the importance of involving the family in decision-making and shows sensitivity to the patient's beliefs. This approach promotes cultural competence and patient-centered care.
Choice A is incorrect because insisting on a female doctor may not align with the patient's preferences and may limit the available medical staff. Choice B is also incorrect as dietary restrictions are not necessarily the most pressing issue in this scenario. Choice C is incorrect as it assumes a cultural practice without verifying the patient's specific preferences and may not be necessary or appropriate in this context.
Which interventions may be included during “terminal we aning”? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Complete extubation following ventilator withdrawal
- B. Discontinuation of artificial ventilation but maintenanc e of the artificial airway
- C. Discontinuation of anxiolytic and pain medications
- D. Titration of ventilator support based upon blood gas de terminations
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because during terminal weaning, the artificial ventilation is discontinued while maintaining the artificial airway to ensure comfort and support. This allows the patient to breathe on their own with support as needed.
Explanation:
1. Option A: Complete extubation following ventilator withdrawal may not be suitable during terminal weaning as it involves removing the breathing tube entirely.
2. Option C: Discontinuation of anxiolytic and pain medications may not always be appropriate during terminal weaning as it depends on the patient's comfort needs.
3. Option D: Titration of ventilator support based on blood gas determinations is not typically done during terminal weaning as the focus is on gradual withdrawal of ventilation support while maintaining comfort.
The nurse is caring for a patient following insertion of a left subclavian central venous catheter (CVC). Which action by the nurse best reduces th e risk of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI)?
- A. Review daily the necessity of the central venous cathet er.
- B. Cleanse the insertion site daily with isopropyl alcohol.
- C. Change the pressurized tubing system and flush bag daily.
- D. Maintain a pressure of 300 mm Hg on the flush bag.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Review daily the necessity of the central venous catheter. This action reduces the risk of CRBSI by promoting early removal of unnecessary catheters, which is a key strategy in preventing infections. Unnecessary catheters increase the risk of infection due to prolonged exposure to the patient's skin flora and possible contamination during insertion. Reviewing daily ensures the catheter is only kept when necessary, minimizing the duration of catheter use and reducing the chances of infection.
Summary of other choices:
B: Cleansing the insertion site daily with isopropyl alcohol is important for maintaining skin integrity but does not directly reduce the risk of CRBSI.
C: Changing the pressurized tubing system and flush bag daily is important for maintaining catheter patency but does not directly reduce the risk of CRBSI.
D: Maintaining a pressure of 300 mm Hg on the flush bag is important for proper catheter function but does not directly reduce the risk of CR
A patient is being mechanically ventilated in the synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation mode at a rate of 4 breaths/min. Spontaneous re spirations are 12 breaths/min. The patient receives a dose of morphine sulfate, and now respi rations decrease to 4 breaths/min. What adjustments may need to be made to the patient’s ve ntilator settings?
- A. Add positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP).
- B. Add pressure support.
- C. Change to assist/control ventilation at a rate of 4 breathabsi/rmb.cionm. /test
- D. Increase the synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation respiratory rate.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Change to assist/control ventilation at a rate of 4 breaths/min. When the patient's spontaneous respirations decrease to match the ventilator rate, it indicates that the patient is not actively participating in breathing. Changing to assist/control ventilation allows the patient to trigger breaths when they desire, ensuring a more synchronized and comfortable breathing pattern.
A: Adding PEEP may help improve oxygenation but is not directly related to the issue of decreased spontaneous respirations.
B: Adding pressure support provides additional support during inspiration but does not address the underlying issue of decreased spontaneous respirations.
D: Increasing the SIMV respiratory rate would not address the patient's decreased spontaneous respirations and could potentially lead to overventilation.
Family members have a need for information. Which intervention best assists in meeting this need?
- A. Handing family members a pamphlet that explains all of the critical care equipment
- B. Providing a daily update of the patient’s progress and f acilitating communication with the intensivist
- C. Telling them that you are not permitted to give them a status report but that they can be present at 4:00 PM for family rounds with the intensivist
- D. Writing down a list of all new medications and doses a nd giving the list to family members during visitation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because providing a daily update of the patient's progress and facilitating communication with the intensivist directly addresses the family members' need for information in a timely and personalized manner. This intervention ensures that the family is kept informed about the patient's condition and treatment plan, fostering transparency and trust. It also allows for any questions or concerns to be addressed promptly, aiding in the family's understanding and involvement in the patient's care.
Now, let's summarize why the other choices are incorrect:
A: Handing out a pamphlet may provide information, but it lacks the personalized touch and real-time updates that are crucial for meeting the family's need for information.
C: Restricting information and only allowing family members to be present at specific times may create frustration and hinder communication, not effectively meeting their information needs.
D: Providing a list of medications is helpful, but it does not offer a comprehensive update on the patient's progress or facilitate direct communication with the medical team, which are