The charge nurse has a Vigileo pulse contour cardiac output monitoring system available for use in the surgical intensive care unit. For which patient isa buisrbe.c oomf /ttehsits device most appropriate?
- A. A patient with a history of aortic insufficiency admitte d with a postoperative myocardial infarction
- B. A mechanically ventilated patient with cardiogenic sho ck being treated with an intraaortic balloon pump
- C. A patient with a history of atrial fibrillation having frequent episodes of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia
- D. A mechanically ventilated patient admitted following repair of an acute bowel obstruction
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a mechanically ventilated patient with cardiogenic shock being treated with an intra-aortic balloon pump would benefit most from having a Vigileo pulse contour cardiac output monitoring system. This device provides continuous cardiac output monitoring and can help guide hemodynamic management in critically ill patients, especially those with hemodynamic instability like cardiogenic shock. It allows for real-time adjustments of fluid and vasoactive medications to optimize cardiac output and tissue perfusion.
Choice A is incorrect because a patient with a history of aortic insufficiency and postoperative myocardial infarction may not require continuous cardiac output monitoring like the patient in choice B. Choice C is incorrect as the patient with atrial fibrillation and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia does not necessarily need cardiac output monitoring. Choice D is also incorrect as a mechanically ventilated patient following repair of an acute bowel obstruction may not require continuous cardiac output monitoring unless there are specific complications.
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What is the most important nursing intervention for patien ts who receive neuromuscular blocking agents?
- A. Administer sedatives in conjunction with the neuromu as bc iu rbl .a cor m b /tl eo sc t king agents.
- B. Assess neurological status every 30 minutes.
- C. Avoid interaction with the patient, because he or she won’t be able to hear.
- D. Restrain the patient to avoid self-extubation.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess neurological status every 30 minutes. This intervention is crucial for patients receiving neuromuscular blocking agents to monitor for any adverse effects such as respiratory depression or paralysis. Regular assessments help ensure early detection of complications and prompt intervention.
A: Administering sedatives in conjunction with neuromuscular blocking agents can potentiate respiratory depression and lead to respiratory compromise.
C: Avoiding interaction with the patient is not appropriate as communication and patient interaction are important aspects of nursing care.
D: Restraint should be avoided as it can increase the risk of complications such as pressure ulcers, anxiety, and decreased respiratory function.
Overall, regular neurological assessments are essential for ensuring patient safety and prompt intervention in case of any complications.
Which nursing actions are most important for a patient witahb irab .croigmh/tte srta dial arterial line? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Checking the circulation to the right hand every 2 hour s
- B. Maintaining a pressurized flush solution to the arterial line setup
- C. Monitoring the waveform on the monitor for dampenin g
- D. Restraining all four extremities with soft limb restraint s
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Checking circulation to the right hand is crucial for assessing perfusion and detecting potential complications.
Step 2: Arterial line placement can compromise blood flow, leading to ischemia if circulation is impaired.
Step 3: Monitoring circulation every 2 hours allows for early detection of issues and prompt intervention.
Step 4: This action ensures patient safety and prevents complications.
Summary:
- Choice B is incorrect as pressurized flush solution can increase the risk of complications.
- Choice C is incorrect as monitoring the waveform is important but not the most critical action.
- Choice D is incorrect as limb restraints can impede circulation and are unnecessary in this scenario.
As the nurse admits a patient with end-stage kidney disease to the hospital, the patient tells the nurse, 'If my heart or breathing stops, I do not want to be resuscitated.' Which action is best for the nurse to take?
- A. Ask if these wishes have been discussed with the healthcare provider.
- B. Place a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) notation in the patient’s care plan.
- C. Inform the patient that a notarized advance directive must be included in the record.
- D. Advise the patient to designate a person to make health care decisions.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Asking if these wishes have been discussed with the healthcare provider is important to ensure that the patient's wishes are documented and considered in the care plan.
Step 2: The healthcare provider needs to be aware of the patient's preferences regarding resuscitation to provide appropriate care.
Step 3: This step helps in clarifying the patient's preferences and ensures that the healthcare team follows the patient's wishes.
Step 4: Placing a DNR notation without consulting the healthcare provider may not align with the patient's overall care plan and may lead to potential legal and ethical issues.
Step 5: Informing the patient about notarized advance directives and designating a person for healthcare decisions are important but not the immediate step needed in this scenario.
In summary, choice A is correct as it prioritizes communication with the healthcare provider to ensure the patient's wishes are properly documented and followed. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not involve confirming the patient's wishes
A young man has just arrived at the ICU from out of town and received news that his girlfriend, who is admitted there, likely only has a few days left to live. Which of the following would be the best approach for the nurse to take in caring for the needs of this young man?
- A. Recommending that he go home and rest
- B. Giving him unrestricted visiting hours with the patient
- C. Suggesting that he meet with the hospital chaplain
- D. Recommending that he ask the doctor to evaluate the patients pain control measures
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Suggesting that he meet with the hospital chaplain. This approach is best as it addresses the young man's emotional and spiritual needs during a difficult time. The chaplain can provide comfort, support, and guidance in coping with his girlfriend's situation. This option focuses on holistic care and acknowledges the importance of emotional well-being.
A: Recommending that he go home and rest is not the best approach as it dismisses the young man's emotional distress.
B: Giving him unrestricted visiting hours with the patient may not be appropriate as it can be overwhelming and may not address his emotional needs effectively.
D: Recommending that he ask the doctor to evaluate the patient's pain control measures is important but does not directly address the young man's emotional needs in this situation.
A nurse is the only one in the ICU who has not achieved certification in critical care nursing. She often will ask her fellow nurses what to do in caring for a patient because she doubts the accuracy of her knowledge and her intuition. She loves her work but wishes she could do it with a greater level of competence. What is the most important effect that obtaining certification would likely have on the nurses practice?
- A. Recognition by peers
- B. Increase in salary and rank
- C. More flexibility in seeking employment
- D. Increased confidence in making decisions
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Increased confidence in making decisions. Obtaining certification in critical care nursing would likely enhance the nurse's knowledge and skills, leading to increased confidence in making clinical decisions. This confidence would stem from the rigorous training and education required to achieve certification, as well as the validation of her expertise in critical care nursing. With increased confidence, the nurse would be more self-assured in her abilities, leading to improved patient care outcomes.
Choice A: Recognition by peers is not the most important effect because while recognition is a positive outcome, it may not directly impact the nurse's ability to provide better patient care.
Choice B: Increase in salary and rank is not the most important effect because while financial benefits are important, the primary focus of obtaining certification should be on improving competence and patient care.
Choice C: More flexibility in seeking employment is not the most important effect because while certification may open up more job opportunities, the main benefit should be on enhancing the nurse's skills and confidence in providing quality