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A patient who is receiving positive pressure ventilation is scheduled for a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT). Which finding by the nurse is most important to discuss with the health care provider before starting the SBT?
- A. New ST segment elevation is noted on the cardiac monitor.
- B. Enteral feedings are being given through an orogastric tube.
- C. Scattered rhonchi are heard when auscultating breath sounds.
- D. HYDROmorphone (Dilaudid) is being used to treat postoperative pain.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: New ST segment elevation is noted on the cardiac monitor. This finding is concerning because it may indicate myocardial ischemia or infarction, which can be exacerbated by the physiological stress of weaning from mechanical ventilation. It is crucial to address any cardiac issues before initiating a spontaneous breathing trial to prevent potential cardiac complications during the weaning process.
Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect:
B: Enteral feedings being given through an orogastric tube are not contraindicated for starting a spontaneous breathing trial.
C: Scattered rhonchi heard when auscultating breath sounds may indicate retained secretions but are not a contraindication for a spontaneous breathing trial.
D: The use of HYDROmorphone to treat postoperative pain is not a contraindication for a spontaneous breathing trial unless it is causing respiratory depression, which would need to be addressed separately.
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A critically ill patient experiences stress and anxiety from many factors. Treatment of the patient focuses on reducing stressors and providing supportive care such as nutrition, oxygenation, pain management, control of anxiety, and specific care of the illness or injury. What is the best rationale for these interventions?
- A. Helps to support the patients immune system
- B. Part of good nursing care
- C. Mandated by hospital policy
- D. Reassures the patient and family
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Helps to support the patient's immune system. Providing supportive care such as nutrition, oxygenation, pain management, and anxiety control can help reduce stress, which in turn supports the immune system. Stress weakens the immune system, making the patient more vulnerable to infections and complications. By addressing stress and anxiety through supportive care, the patient's immune system is better able to function optimally, aiding in the recovery process.
Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because:
B: Part of good nursing care - While supportive care is indeed part of good nursing care, the key rationale for these interventions in a critically ill patient is to support the immune system, not just to provide good nursing care.
C: Mandated by hospital policy - Hospital policies may dictate certain aspects of care, but the primary goal of these interventions is to support the patient's immune system, not just to comply with hospital policies.
D: Reassures the patient and family - While providing reass
The nurse is concerned that the patient will pull out the en dotracheal tube. As part of the nursing management, the nurse should obtain an order for what intervention?
- A. A Posey-type vest
- B. A higher dosage of lorazepam
- C. Propofol
- D. Soft wrist restraints
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. A Posey-type vest is a restraint designed to prevent patients from pulling out medical devices like endotracheal tubes, ensuring their safety. It is a less restrictive option compared to wrist restraints and sedatives (B and C), which can have adverse effects and may not directly address the concern of tube removal. Using a Posey-type vest promotes patient autonomy by allowing some movement while still providing the necessary protection.
Which nursing actions for the care of a dying patient can the nurse delegate to a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) (select all that apply)?
- A. Provide postmortem care to the patient.
- B. Encourage the family members to talk with and reassure the patient.
- C. Determine how frequently physical assessments are needed for the patient.
- D. Teach family members about commonly occurring signs of approaching death.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because providing postmortem care to a dying patient is a task that can be safely delegated to an LPN/LVN. This includes tasks such as preparing the body, cleaning, and positioning after death. LPNs/LVNs are trained and competent in performing these duties under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician.
Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they involve critical thinking, assessment, and teaching skills that are typically within the scope of practice of a registered nurse. Encouraging family members to talk with the patient, determining assessment frequency, and educating about signs of approaching death require a higher level of nursing judgment and expertise, which is beyond the scope of an LPN/LVN's role.
The patient is in a progressive care unit following arteriovenous fistula implantation in his left upper arm, and is due to have blood drawn with his next set of vital signs and assessment. When the nurse assesses the patient, the nurse should
- A. draw blood from the left arm.
- B. take blood pressures from the left arm.
- C. start a new intravenous line in the left lower arm.
- D. auscultate the left arm for a bruit and palpate for a thrill.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because after arteriovenous fistula implantation, it is essential to assess for the presence of a bruit (audible sound caused by turbulent blood flow) and thrill (vibratory sensation) in the access site, which indicates proper functioning of the fistula. This assessment ensures that blood is flowing adequately through the newly created access for dialysis or other procedures. Drawing blood or taking blood pressures from the fistula arm can lead to complications such as clot formation or damage to the fistula. Starting a new IV line in the same arm is contraindicated to avoid compromising the newly created fistula. Thus, auscultating for a bruit and palpating for a thrill are the appropriate nursing actions in this scenario.
The nurse is assisting with endotracheal intubation and un derstands correct placement of the endotracheal tube in the trachea would be identified by which of the following? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Auscultation of air over the epigastrium
- B. Equal bilateral breath sounds upon auscultation
- C. Position above the carina verified by chest x-ray
- D. Positive detection of carbon dioxide (CO
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Equal bilateral breath sounds upon auscultation. This indicates proper placement of the endotracheal tube in the trachea, ensuring both lungs are being ventilated equally.
Rationale:
1. Auscultation of air over the epigastrium (Choice A) is incorrect as it indicates esophageal intubation, not tracheal intubation.
2. Position above the carina verified by chest x-ray (Choice C) is incorrect as it does not confirm proper placement at the trachea.
3. Positive detection of carbon dioxide (CO2) (Choice D) is incorrect as it indicates the presence of exhaled CO2, but not necessarily proper placement in the trachea.