The amount of effort needed to maintain a given level of ventilation is referred to using what term?
- A. Compliance
- B. Resistance
- C. Tidal volume
- D. Work of breathing
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Work of breathing. Work of breathing refers to the amount of effort required to maintain a specific level of ventilation. This includes the energy needed for inhalation and exhalation. Compliance (A) refers to the ease with which the lungs expand, resistance (B) is the opposition to airflow in the airways, and tidal volume (C) is the amount of air moved in and out of the lungs during normal breathing. Work of breathing encompasses the overall energy expenditure involved in the breathing process, making it the most appropriate term in this context.
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The critical care unit environment is very stressful for patients, families, and staff. What nursing action is directed at reducing environmental stress?
- A. Constant evaluation of patient status
- B. Limiting visits to immediate family
- C. Bathing all patients during hours of sleep
- D. Maintaining quiet during hours of sleep
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Maintaining quiet during hours of sleep. This action is essential in reducing environmental stress in the critical care unit as it promotes a restful environment for patients and allows for better sleep quality. Noise can disrupt sleep patterns and increase stress levels. Constant evaluation of patient status (A) is important but does not directly address environmental stress. Limiting visits to immediate family (B) can be beneficial in some cases but may not always reduce environmental stress. Bathing all patients during hours of sleep (C) may actually increase stress as it can be disruptive and uncomfortable for patients. Overall, maintaining a quiet environment during sleep hours is the most effective nursing action to reduce environmental stress in the critical care unit.
Which statement is true regarding venous thromboembolisambir b(.VcoTm/Ete)s ta nd pulmonary embolus (PE)?
- A. PE should be suspected in any patient who has unexpla ined cardiorespiratory complaints and risk factors for VTE.
- B. Bradycardia and hyperventilation are classic symptom s of PE.
- C. Dyspnea, chest pain, and hemoptysis occur in nearly a ll patients with PE.
- D. Most critically ill patients are at low risk for VTE and PE and do not require prophylaxis.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because PE should be suspected in patients with unexplained cardiorespiratory complaints and risk factors for VTE. This is important because PE can present with nonspecific symptoms, making it crucial to consider it in the differential diagnosis.
Explanation:
1. PE can present with various symptoms, including dyspnea, chest pain, and hemoptysis, but these are not present in all patients.
2. Bradycardia and hyperventilation are not classic symptoms of PE, as it can present with tachycardia and other respiratory findings.
3. Critically ill patients are actually at higher risk for VTE and PE, so prophylaxis is typically recommended.
In summary, choice A is correct because it emphasizes the importance of considering PE in patients with cardiorespiratory complaints and risk factors for VTE, while the other choices contain inaccuracies or incomplete information.
When monitoring the effectiveness of treatment for a patient with a large anterior wall myocardial infarction, the most important information for the nurse to obtain is:
- A. Central venous pressure (CVP).
- B. Systemic vascular resistance (SVR).
- C. Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR).
- D. Pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP).
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP). This is crucial in monitoring a patient with a large anterior wall myocardial infarction as it provides information on left ventricular function and fluid status. A high PAWP may indicate left ventricular failure or fluid overload, requiring immediate intervention.
A: Central venous pressure (CVP) is not as specific for assessing left ventricular function and may not provide accurate information in this scenario.
B: Systemic vascular resistance (SVR) is important in assessing systemic blood flow, but it may not directly indicate left ventricular function in this case.
C: Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) is more relevant in conditions affecting the pulmonary circulation and may not be as immediately informative in assessing left ventricular function in this context.
A patient who is undergoing withdrawal of mechanical ventilation appears anxious and agitated. The patient is on a continuous morphine infusion and has an additional order for lorazepam 1 to 2 mg IV as needed (prn). The patient has received no lorazepam during this course of illness. What is the most appropriate nursing intearbvirbe.ncotmio/tnes tt o control agitation?
- A. Administer fentanyl (Duragesic) 25 mg IV bolus.
- B. Administer midazolam 2 mg IV now.
- C. Increase the rate of the morphine infusion by 50%.
- D. Request an order for a paralytic agent.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice B is correct:
1. Midazolam is a benzodiazepine used for sedation and anxiolysis.
2. It acts quickly and has a short duration of action, suitable for acute agitation.
3. Lorazepam (also a benzodiazepine) is in the same drug class, ensuring compatibility.
4. Lorazepam is specifically ordered for this patient, indicating its appropriateness.
5. Administering midazolam addresses the patient's agitation efficiently and safely.
Summary of why other choices are incorrect:
A: Fentanyl is an opioid analgesic, not ideal for managing agitation.
C: Increasing morphine infusion can exacerbate sedation or respiratory depression.
D: Paralytic agents are used for neuromuscular blockade, not agitation control.
A 16-year-old male client is admitted to the hospital after falling off a bike and sustaining a fractured bone. The healthcare provider explains the surgery needed to immobilize the fracture. Which action should be implemented to obtain a valid informed consent?
- A. Obtain the permission of the custodial parent for the surgery.
- B. Notify the non-custodial parent to also sign a consent form.
- C. Instruct the client sign the consent before giving medications.
- D. Obtain the signature of the client’s stepfather for the surgery.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Obtain the permission of the custodial parent for the surgery. In this scenario, the client is a minor (16 years old), which means they are not legally able to provide informed consent for medical procedures. The custodial parent holds legal responsibility for the minor's healthcare decisions. Thus, obtaining the permission of the custodial parent is crucial to ensure valid informed consent.
Choice B is incorrect because the non-custodial parent's consent may not be legally required if the custodial parent is available to provide consent. Choice C is incorrect because obtaining consent should precede any administration of medications. Choice D is incorrect as the stepfather's consent may not hold legal weight unless designated as a legal guardian.