What are the diagnostic criteria for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Bilateral infiltrates on chest x-ray study
- B. Decreased cardiac output
- C. PaO /FiO ratio of less than 200 2 2
- D. Pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP) of more than 18 mm Hg
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bilateral infiltrates on chest x-ray study. ARDS diagnosis requires bilateral infiltrates on chest x-ray, indicative of non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema. Choice B, decreased cardiac output, is not a diagnostic criterion for ARDS. Choice C, PaO2/FiO2 ratio of less than 200, is a key diagnostic criteria for ARDS, indicating severe hypoxemia. Choice D, PAOP of more than 18 mm Hg, is used to differentiate between cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic causes of pulmonary edema, but it is not a direct diagnostic criterion for ARDS.
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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.
The nurse observes that an elderly woman, whose granddaughter has been admitted to theICU, is struggling to manage her two great-grandsons, who are toddlers, in the waiting room. What is the most likely explanation for the womans inability to manage the children in this situation?
- A. She is senile.
- B. She is in the exhaustion stage of the general adaptation syndrome to stress.
- C. She is assuming the role of caregiver in place of the patient, a role she is not used to.
- D. She has macular degeneration and cannot see well.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: She is in the exhaustion stage of the general adaptation syndrome to stress.
Rationale:
1. In the exhaustion stage, the body's resources are depleted due to prolonged stress, leading to fatigue and reduced ability to cope.
2. The elderly woman is likely experiencing high levels of stress due to her granddaughter's critical condition.
3. Managing toddlers while dealing with the emotional distress of a loved one in the ICU can be overwhelming, causing exhaustion.
4. This explanation aligns with the symptoms of fatigue and difficulty managing the children observed by the nurse.
Summary:
A: Incorrect. Senility is a cognitive condition unrelated to the stress of the situation.
C: Incorrect. Assuming a caregiver role can be stressful, but it does not explain the observed exhaustion.
D: Incorrect. Macular degeneration affects vision, not the ability to manage stress and children.
Which action is a priority for the nurse to take when the low-pressure alarm sounds for a patient who has an arterial line in the left radial artery?
- A. Fast flush of the arterial line.
- B. Check the left hand for pallor.
- C. Assess for cardiac dysrhythmias.
- D. Rezero the monitoring equipment.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (C): When the low-pressure alarm sounds for a patient with an arterial line, the nurse should assess for cardiac dysrhythmias first. This is because a sudden drop in pressure could indicate a serious issue affecting the heart's ability to pump effectively. Identifying and addressing any cardiac dysrhythmias promptly is crucial for patient safety.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
A: Fast flush of the arterial line - This would not address the underlying cause of the low-pressure alarm and may not be necessary.
B: Check the left hand for pallor - While assessing perfusion is important, it is not the priority when the alarm indicates a potential cardiac issue.
D: Rezero the monitoring equipment - While important for accuracy, it is not the priority when the alarm indicates a potential cardiac concern.
A critical care unit has decided to implement several measures designed to improve intradisciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration. In addition to an expected improvement in patient outcomes, what is the most important effect that should resultf rom these measures?
- A. Identification of incompetent practitioners
- B. Improvement in manners on the unit
- C. Increased staff retention
- D. Less discussion in front of patients and families
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale:
- Improved collaboration enhances job satisfaction and reduces burnout, leading to increased staff retention.
- Higher staff retention promotes continuity of care, improves team dynamics, and enhances patient outcomes.
Summary:
- A: Not directly related to collaboration, more about performance evaluation.
- B: Manners may improve, but not the most important effect of collaboration.
- D: Collaboration involves open communication, so less discussion in front of patients is not a positive outcome.
Family assessment is essential in order to meet family nee ds. Which of the following must be assessed first to assist the nurse in providing family-centered care?
- A. Assessment of patient and family’s developmental stag es and needs
- B. Description of the patient’s home environment
- C. Identification of immediate family, extended family, a nd decision makers
- D. Observation and assessment of how family members fu nction with each other
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because assessing the patient and family's developmental stages and needs is crucial in understanding their current situation and determining the appropriate care plan. By assessing developmental stages, the nurse can tailor interventions to meet the family's specific needs. This assessment also helps in identifying potential challenges or areas requiring support.
Choice B is incorrect as it focuses solely on the physical environment and does not address the family's developmental stages and needs.
Choice C is incorrect as it emphasizes identifying family members without considering the importance of understanding their developmental stages and needs in providing family-centered care.
Choice D is incorrect as it concentrates on family dynamics without directly addressing the crucial aspect of assessing developmental stages and needs for effective family-centered care.