A nurse is weaning a 68-kg male patient who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from mechanical ventilation. Which patient assessment finding indicates that the weaning protocol should be stopped?
- A. The patient’s heart rate is 97 beats/min.
- B. The patient’s oxygen saturation is 93%.
- C. The patient’s respiratory rate is 32 breaths/min.
- D. The patient’s spontaneous tidal volume is 450 mL.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because a respiratory rate of 32 breaths/min indicates increased work of breathing, which could be a sign of respiratory distress. In a patient being weaned from mechanical ventilation, an elevated respiratory rate suggests that the patient may not be able to sustain adequate ventilation on their own. This warrants stopping the weaning protocol to prevent respiratory failure.
Choice A is incorrect because a heart rate of 97 beats/min is within normal range for an adult. Choice B is incorrect because an oxygen saturation of 93% is acceptable for a patient with COPD. Choice D is incorrect because a tidal volume of 450 mL is adequate for a patient weaning from mechanical ventilation.
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A critically ill patient tells the nurse that he is not afraid to die because he believes in reincarnation. What is the most appropriate nursing response?
- A. What if reincarnation is not real?
- B. This belief gives you strength.
- C. I dont believe in reincarnation.
- D. You shouldnt base your hopes on such a belief.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it acknowledges and validates the patient's belief, showing empathy and support. By stating that the belief gives strength, the nurse facilitates a therapeutic relationship and promotes the patient's emotional well-being. Choice A is incorrect as it challenges the patient's belief system, potentially creating conflict. Choice C is inappropriate as it dismisses the patient's belief and could damage the nurse-patient relationship. Choice D is also incorrect as it invalidates the patient's belief and could harm trust and rapport.
A triage nurse in a busy emergency department (ED) assesses a patient who complains of 7/10 abdominal pain and states, 'I had a temperature of 103.9°F (39.9°C) at home.' The nurse’s first action should be to:
- A. Assess the patient’s current vital signs.
- B. Give acetaminophen (Tylenol) per agency protocol.
- C. Ask the patient to provide clean-catch urine for urinalysis.
- D. Tell the patient that it will be 1 to 2 hours before being seen by the doctor.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assess the patient's current vital signs. The nurse's first action should be to gather objective data to assess the patient's condition and determine the urgency of the situation. Vital signs, including temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, provide crucial information for the initial assessment. This will help the nurse identify any signs of sepsis, shock, or other serious conditions that require immediate intervention.
The other choices are incorrect because:
B: Giving acetaminophen without assessing the patient's vital signs and determining the cause of the symptoms could mask important clinical information and delay appropriate treatment.
C: While obtaining a urine sample may be necessary later to rule out a urinary tract infection, it is not the most immediate priority in this case.
D: Delaying the patient's assessment and care based on estimated wait times is not appropriate when the patient presents with potentially serious symptoms. Immediate evaluation is required in this scenario.
An elderly patient is admitted to the ICU with stage IV lung cancer, diabetes mellitus, and congestive heart failure. The health care team assembled to care for her is large and diverse, including an oncologist, a pulmonologist, an endocrinologist, a cardiologist, and others. The patient is not expected to survive more than a few weeks, and her husband is overwhelmed with stress and grief. Which nurse competency or competencies are most needed in this situation? Select all that apply.
- A. Clinical judgment
- B. Caring practices
- C. Collaboration
- D. Response to diversity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Caring practices. In this situation, the patient and her husband are dealing with complex medical conditions and emotional distress. Caring practices involve providing compassionate, empathetic, and supportive care to the patient and her family members during this difficult time. The nurse needs to show sensitivity, understanding, and emotional support to help them cope with their situation. Clinical judgment (A) is important but not the primary focus in this scenario. Collaboration (C) is essential in the interdisciplinary team, but caring practices take precedence in addressing the emotional needs. Response to diversity (D) is also important, but in this case, the focus is more on providing compassionate care rather than addressing cultural or social diversity issues.
What risk is the rationale for the recommendation of endot racheal rather than nasotracheal intubation?
- A. Basilar skull fracture
- B. Cervical hyperextension
- C. Impaired ability to "mouth" words
- D. Sinusitis and infection
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Basilar skull fracture. Endotracheal intubation is recommended over nasotracheal intubation to avoid the risk of further damaging a basilar skull fracture. Nasotracheal intubation can potentially cause further injury due to the passage of the tube through the nasal cavity, which could exacerbate a basilar skull fracture.
Summary of other choices:
B: Cervical hyperextension - Not directly related to the choice between endotracheal and nasotracheal intubation.
C: Impaired ability to "mouth" words - Not a significant factor in determining the choice of intubation method.
D: Sinusitis and infection - While nasotracheal intubation can potentially lead to sinusitis and infection, the primary concern in this scenario is the risk of aggravating a basilar skull fracture.
The urgent care center protocol for tick bites includes the following actions. Which action will the nurse take first when caring for a patient with a tick bite?
- A. Use tweezers to remove any remaining ticks.
- B. Check the vital signs, including temperature.
- C. Give doxycycline (Vibramycin) 100 mg orally.
- D. Obtain information about recent outdoor activities.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Use tweezers to remove any remaining ticks. The first step is to remove the tick to prevent further transmission of any potential pathogens. This is crucial in preventing tick-borne illnesses. Checking vital signs (B) can be done after the tick is removed. Administering doxycycline (C) should be based on guidelines and individual factors. Obtaining information about recent outdoor activities (D) is important but not the immediate priority.