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The nurse is analyzing the results of a patient's arterial blood gases (ABGs). Which of the following findings require the most immediate action?
- A. The arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) is 92%.
- B. The partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood (PaO2) is 59 mm Hg.
- C. The partial pressure of CO2 in arterial blood (PaCO2) is 31 mm Hg.
- D. The bicarbonate level (HCO3-) is 29 mmol/L.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: All the values are abnormal, but the low PaO2 indicates that the patient is at the point on the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve where a small change in the PaO2 will cause a large drop in the O2 saturation and a decrease in tissue oxygenation. The nurse should intervene immediately to improve the patient's oxygenation.
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The nurse is performing an assessment of the patient's respiratory system. Which of the following parameters is the nurse assessing when using the following illustrated technique?
- A. Bronchophony
- B. Chest expansion
- C. Accessory muscle use
- D. Diaphragmatic excursion
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Symmetrical chest expansion is confirmed by placement of the hands over the anterior or posterior chest at the same level, observing to confirm is hands and thumbs move equally on both sides with inspiration and expiration.
The nurse is admitting a patient who is hypothermic with a O2 saturation of 96%. Which of the following actions should the nurse take next?
- A. Initiate rewarming of the patient.
- B. Complete a head-to-toe assessment.
- C. Obtain arterial blood gases (ABGs).
- D. Place the patient on high-flow oxygen.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Although the O2 saturation is adequate, the left shift in the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve will decrease the amount of oxygen delivered to tissues, so high oxygen concentrations should be given until the patient is normothermic. The other actions also are appropriate, but the initial action should be to administer oxygen.
The nurse is admitting a patient to the emergency department who has sudden onset shortness of breath and is diagnosed with a possible pulmonary embolus. To confirm the diagnosis, which of the following diagnostic measures should the nurse anticipate?
- A. Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
- B. Chest x-ray
- C. Bronchoscopy
- D. Spiral computed tomography (CT) scan
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Spiral CT scans are the most commonly used test to diagnose pulmonary emboli. A chest x-ray may be ordered but will not be diagnostic for a pulmonary embolus. Bronchoscopy is used to inspect for changes in the bronchial tree, not to assess for vascular changes. PET scans are most useful in determining the presence of malignancy.
The nurse is reviewing a patient's laboratory results and identifies which of the following values as a normal tidal volume?
- A. 100 mL
- B. 250 mL
- C. 500 mL
- D. 1000 mL
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The normal tidal volume is 500 mL.
Which of the following lung structures has the most generations?
- A. Segmental bronchi
- B. Subsegmental bronchi
- C. Bronchioles
- D. Alveoli
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The lung structure that has the most generations is the alveoli with 28. Segmental bronchi, subsegmental bronchi, and bronchioles have less than 28 generations.