Critical Care Nursing NCLEX Questions Related

Review Critical Care Nursing NCLEX Questions related questions and content

The nurse is caring for a mechanically ventilated patient following bilateral lung transplantation. When planning the care of this patient, what is the priority nursing intervention?

  • A. Thirty-degree elevation of head of bed
  • B. Endotracheal suctioning as needed
  • C. Frequent side to side repositioning
  • D. Sequential compression stockings
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Thirty-degree elevation of the head of the bed. This is the priority nursing intervention for a mechanically ventilated patient following bilateral lung transplantation because it helps optimize ventilation-perfusion matching, reduces the risk of aspiration, and improves oxygenation. Elevating the head of the bed also decreases the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia.

B: Endotracheal suctioning as needed is important but not the priority intervention in this case.
C: Frequent side to side repositioning is important for preventing pressure ulcers but is not the priority for a ventilated patient post-lung transplant.
D: Sequential compression stockings are used for preventing deep vein thrombosis, which is important but not the priority in this scenario.