The nurse is assessing a patient with a new arteriovenous fistula, but does not hear a bruit or feel a thrill. Pulses distal to the fistula are not palpable. The nurse should
- A. reassess the patient in an hour.
- B. raise the arm above the level of the patient’s heart.
- C. notify the provider immediately.
- D. apply warm packs to the fistula site and reassess.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: notify the provider immediately. The absence of bruit, thrill, and palpable distal pulses in a new arteriovenous fistula suggests potential complications like thrombosis or stenosis, requiring urgent intervention. Notifying the provider promptly allows for timely assessment and appropriate management to prevent further complications.
Summary:
A: Reassessing the patient in an hour may delay necessary intervention for a potentially serious issue.
B: Raising the arm above the level of the patient’s heart does not address the underlying problem and may not improve the situation.
D: Applying warm packs to the fistula site is not the appropriate intervention for the absence of bruit and thrill and may not address the underlying cause.
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After the return of spontaneous circulation following the resuscitation of a patient who had a cardiac arrest, therapeutic hypothermia is ordered. Which action will the nurse include in the plan of care?
- A. Apply external cooling device.
- B. Check mental status every 15 minutes.
- C. Avoid the use of sedative medications.
- D. Rewarm if the temperature is <91°F (32.8°C).
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Apply external cooling device. Therapeutic hypothermia is a treatment used to protect the brain after cardiac arrest by lowering the body temperature. The nurse should use external cooling devices, such as cooling blankets or ice packs, to achieve and maintain the desired temperature. This method allows for precise temperature control and monitoring. Checking mental status every 15 minutes (choice B) is not the priority as maintaining the temperature is crucial. Avoiding sedative medications (choice C) may be necessary to accurately assess the patient's neurological status. Rewarming if the temperature is <91°F (32.8°C) (choice D) is incorrect as the goal is to maintain hypothermia for a specific duration before gradual rewarming.
The patient has been admitted to the hospital with nausea and vomiting that started 5 days earlier. Blood pressure is 80/44 mm Hg and heart rate is 122 beats/min; the patient has not voided in 8 hours, and the bladder is not distended. The nurse anticipates a prescription for “stat” administration of
- A. a blood transfusion.
- B. fluid replacement with 0.45% saline.
- C. infusion of an inotropic agent.
- D. an antiemetic.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: fluid replacement with 0.45% saline. The patient's low blood pressure, tachycardia, and lack of urine output indicate hypovolemia. Fluid replacement with saline will help restore circulating volume, improve blood pressure, and support renal perfusion. A: Blood transfusion is not indicated as the primary issue is hypovolemia, not anemia. C: Inotropic agents are used to increase cardiac contractility but are not the initial treatment for hypovolemia. D: Antiemetics may help with symptoms but do not address the underlying issue of fluid loss and hypovolemia.
When monitoring the effectiveness of treatment for a patient with a large anterior wall myocardial infarction, the most important information for the nurse to obtain is:
- A. Central venous pressure (CVP).
- B. Systemic vascular resistance (SVR).
- C. Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR).
- D. Pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP).
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP). This is crucial in monitoring a patient with a large anterior wall myocardial infarction as it provides information on left ventricular function and fluid status. A high PAWP may indicate left ventricular failure or fluid overload, requiring immediate intervention.
A: Central venous pressure (CVP) is not as specific for assessing left ventricular function and may not provide accurate information in this scenario.
B: Systemic vascular resistance (SVR) is important in assessing systemic blood flow, but it may not directly indicate left ventricular function in this case.
C: Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) is more relevant in conditions affecting the pulmonary circulation and may not be as immediately informative in assessing left ventricular function in this context.
Sleep often is disrupted for critically ill patients. Which nu rsing intervention is most appropriate to promote sleep and rest?
- A. Consult with the pharmacist to adjust medication times to allow periods of sleep or rest between intervals.
- B. Encourage family members to talk with the patient wh enever they are present in the room.
- C. Keep the television on to provide “white” noise and di straction.
- D. Leave the lights on in the room so that the patient is no t frightened of his or her surroundings.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Consult with the pharmacist to adjust medication times to allow periods of sleep or rest between intervals. This is the most appropriate intervention as medication timings can significantly impact sleep patterns of critically ill patients. Adjusting medication times can help synchronize rest periods, promoting uninterrupted sleep.
Choice B is incorrect as encouraging constant conversation can disrupt sleep. Choice C is incorrect as the television noise can be stimulating and hinder rest. Choice D is incorrect as leaving the lights on can disrupt the patient's circadian rhythm and negatively impact sleep quality.
What is the focus of the synergy model of practice?
- A. Allowing unrestricted visiting for the patient 24 hours aebaircbh.c odma/tye.s t
- B. Providing holistic and alternative therapies.
- C. Considering the needs of patients and their families, w hich drives nursing competency.
- D. Addressing the patients’ needs for energy and support.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the synergy model of practice emphasizes considering the needs of patients and their families, which in turn drives nursing competency. This approach recognizes that patient care is not just about the individual but also about the broader support system. This holistic viewpoint helps nurses tailor their care to meet the unique needs of each patient and their family, ultimately leading to better outcomes.
Choices A, B, and D are incorrect:
A: Allowing unrestricted visiting for the patient 24 hours is not directly related to the focus of the synergy model which is more about patient-centered care.
B: Providing holistic and alternative therapies is a valid approach, but it is not the primary focus of the synergy model.
D: Addressing the patients' needs for energy and support is important but does not capture the comprehensive nature of the synergy model which encompasses the needs of both patients and their families.