Critical Care Nursing Questions and Answers PDF Related

Review Critical Care Nursing Questions and Answers PDF related questions and content

The nurse is caring for a mechanically ventilated patient an d is charting outside the patient’s room when the ventilator alarm sounds. What is the priorit y order for the nurse to complete these actions? (Put a comma and space between each answer choice.)

  • A. Check quickly for possible causes of the alarm that can be fixed.
  • B. After troubleshooting, connect back to mechanical venti lator and reassess patient.
  • C. Go to patient’s bedside.
  • D. Manually ventilate the patient while getting respiratory therapist.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice C is correct:
1. Going to the patient’s bedside is the priority as it allows the nurse to assess the patient's condition directly.
2. By being at the bedside, the nurse can quickly evaluate the patient's breathing, vital signs, and other indicators for immediate action.
3. Direct assessment enables timely intervention and avoids delays in addressing potential life-threatening situations.
4. Checking for possible causes of the alarm and reconnection to the ventilator can follow, but assessing the patient's immediate needs takes precedence.

In summary, choice C is correct because direct patient assessment is the fundamental step in responding to a ventilator alarm to ensure patient safety and timely intervention. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they focus on troubleshooting and technical aspects before directly assessing the patient's condition.