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The emergency department (ED) triage nurse is assessing four victims involved in a motor vehicle collision. Which patient has the highest priority for treatment?
- A. A patient with no pedal pulses.
- B. A patient with an open femur fracture.
- C. A patient with bleeding facial lacerations.
- D. A patient with paradoxical chest movements.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: A patient with paradoxical chest movements. This indicates flail chest, a life-threatening condition where a segment of the chest wall moves independently from the rest.
1. Flail chest can lead to respiratory compromise and potential respiratory failure.
2. Immediate intervention is needed to stabilize the chest wall and support breathing.
3. Without prompt treatment, the patient can develop hypoxia and potentially progress to cardiac arrest.
Summary:
- Choice A: No pedal pulses may indicate vascular compromise but does not pose an immediate threat to life.
- Choice B: Open femur fracture requires urgent treatment but does not have the same immediate life-threatening implications as flail chest.
- Choice C: Bleeding facial lacerations can be managed after addressing more critical injuries like flail chest.
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The nurse is caring for a patient receiving benzodiazepine intermittently. What is the best way to administer such drugs?
- A. Medicate around the clock, rather than as needed, to en sure constant sedation.
- B. Administer the medications through the feeding tube to prevent complications.
- C. Give the highest allowable dose for the greatest effect.
- D. Titrate to a predefined endpoint using a standard sedat ion scale.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Titrate to a predefined endpoint using a standard sedation scale. This approach ensures individualized dosing based on the patient's response, minimizing the risk of over-sedation or under-treatment. It allows for careful monitoring and adjustment of dosage to achieve the desired level of sedation while avoiding adverse effects.
A: Administering medication around the clock may lead to unnecessary sedation and increased risk of side effects.
B: Administering medications through a feeding tube is not recommended for benzodiazepines as it may affect absorption and increase the risk of complications.
C: Giving the highest allowable dose without considering individual response can result in excessive sedation and adverse effects.
Intrapulmonary shunting refers to what outcome?
- A. Alveoli that are not perfused.
- B. Blood that is shunted from the left side of the heart to t he right and causes heart failure.
- C. Blood that is shunted from the right side of the heart to the left without oxygenation.
- D. Shunting of blood supply to only one lung.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice C is correct:
1. Intrapulmonary shunting refers to blood bypassing the normal oxygenation process in the lungs.
2. Choice C describes blood being shunted from the right side of the heart (deoxygenated blood) to the left side without oxygenation, leading to systemic circulation without oxygenation.
3. Choices A, B, and D do not accurately describe intrapulmonary shunting as they focus on other concepts like alveolar perfusion, heart failure, and unilateral lung blood supply, respectively.
The central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2) is decreasing in a patient who has severe pancreatitis. To determine the possible cause of the decreased ScvO2, the nurse assesses the patient’s:
- A. Lipase.
- B. Temperature.
- C. Urinary output.
- D. Body mass index.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Temperature. Decreased ScvO2 in severe pancreatitis can be due to systemic inflammatory response leading to increased metabolic demand and decreased tissue oxygen delivery. Monitoring temperature helps assess for presence of infection or sepsis, which can further decrease tissue oxygenation. Lipase (A) is specific for pancreatitis diagnosis, not directly related to ScvO2. Urinary output (C) is important for assessing renal function, not directly related to ScvO2. Body mass index (D) does not provide information on tissue oxygenation status in this context.
Which acid-base disturbances commonly occurs with the hyperventilation and impaired gas exchange seen in severe exacerbation of asthma?
- A. Metabolic acidosis
- B. Metabolic alkalosis
- C. Respiratory acidosis
- D. Respiratory alkalosis
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Respiratory alkalosis. Hyperventilation in severe asthma exacerbation leads to excessive removal of CO2, causing a decrease in carbonic acid levels, resulting in respiratory alkalosis. Metabolic acidosis (A) is not typically associated with hyperventilation. Metabolic alkalosis (B) is caused by excessive loss of acid or gain of bicarbonate, not by hyperventilation. Respiratory acidosis (C) is characterized by an increase in CO2 levels due to inadequate ventilation, which is the opposite of what occurs in severe asthma exacerbation.
Which of the following nursing activities demonstrates im plementation of the AACN Standards of Professional Performance? (Select all that ap ply.)
- A. Attending a meeting of the local chapter of the Americ an Association of Critical-Care Nurses in which a continuing education program on sepsis is being taught
- B. Collaborating with a pastoral services colleague to assist in meeting spiritual needs of the patient and family
- C. Participating on the unit’s nurse practice council
- D. Posting an article from Critical Care Nurse on manage ment of venous thromboembolism for your colleagues to read
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because participating on the unit's nurse practice council demonstrates adherence to the AACN Standards of Professional Performance, specifically the standard related to quality of practice. By actively engaging in the nurse practice council, the nurse contributes to the development and implementation of policies and procedures that promote quality patient care. This activity also involves collaboration, leadership, and advocacy, which are essential components of professional nursing practice.
The other choices are incorrect because:
A: Attending a meeting and receiving continuing education on sepsis is important for professional development but does not directly align with the AACN Standards of Professional Performance.
B: Collaborating with a pastoral services colleague is essential for holistic patient care but does not specifically address the standards set by the AACN.
D: Posting an article for colleagues to read is beneficial for knowledge sharing but does not directly demonstrate adherence to the AACN Standards of Professional Performance.