Critical Care Nursing Questions Related

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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.