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The nurse is preparing to obtain a pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP) reading for a patient who is mechanically ventilated. Ensuring that the aaibri-rbf.lcuoimd/ teinstt erface is at the level of the phlebostatic axis, what is the best nursing action?
- A. Place the patient in the supine position and record the PAOP immediately after exhalation.
- B. Place the patient in the supine position and document the average PAOP obtained after three measurements.
- C. Place the patient with the head of bed elevated 30 degrees and document the average PAOP pressure obtained.
- D. Place the patient with the head of bed elevated 30 degr ees and record the PAOP just before the increase in pressures during inhalation.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because placing the patient with the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees is the best position for obtaining an accurate PAOP reading. Elevating the head of the bed helps to align the phlebostatic axis with the atrium, ensuring an accurate measurement of PAOP. This position reduces the impact of hydrostatic pressure on the reading. Options A and D are incorrect because the supine position and recording during exhalation or just before the increase in pressures during inhalation can lead to inaccurate readings. Option B is incorrect because documenting the average PAOP after three measurements does not address the importance of positioning for accuracy.
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Following an earthquake, patients are triaged by emergency medical personnel and are transported to the emergency department (ED). Which patient will the nurse need to assess first?
- A. A patient with a red tag.
- B. A patient with a blue tag.
- C. A patient with a black tag.
- D. A patient with a yellow tag.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: A patient with a red tag. In triage, red tags indicate patients with life-threatening injuries who require immediate attention. The nurse must assess this patient first to provide necessary interventions. Patients with blue tags are considered urgent but stable, black tags are deceased or beyond help, and yellow tags are for delayed treatment. Assessing the red-tagged patient first ensures prompt care for those in critical condition.
The nurse is assisting with endotracheal intubation of the p atient and recognizes that the procedure will be done in what order? (Put a comma and s pace between each answer choice.)
- A. Assess balloon on endotracheal tube for symmetry and laebairkb.sc.o m/test
- B. Assess lung fields for bilateral expansion.
- C. Inflate balloon of endotracheal tube.
- D. Insert endotracheal tube with laryngoscope and blade.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. The first step in endotracheal intubation is to insert the endotracheal tube with a laryngoscope and blade to visualize the vocal cords and guide the tube into the trachea. This ensures proper placement of the tube for effective ventilation. Assessing the balloon symmetry (Choice A) and lung fields (Choice B) would come after the tube is successfully inserted. Inflating the balloon of the endotracheal tube (Choice C) should be the last step to secure the tube in place.
A nurse is the only one in the ICU who has not achieved certification in critical care nursing. She often will ask her fellow nurses what to do in caring for a patient because she doubts the accuracy of her knowledge and her intuition. She loves her work but wishes she could do it with a greater level of competence. What is the most important effect that obtaining certification would likely have on the nurses practice?
- A. Recognition by peers
- B. Increase in salary and rank
- C. More flexibility in seeking employment
- D. Increased confidence in making decisions
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Increased confidence in making decisions. Obtaining certification in critical care nursing would likely enhance the nurse's knowledge and skills, leading to increased confidence in making clinical decisions. This confidence would stem from the rigorous training and education required to achieve certification, as well as the validation of her expertise in critical care nursing. With increased confidence, the nurse would be more self-assured in her abilities, leading to improved patient care outcomes.
Choice A: Recognition by peers is not the most important effect because while recognition is a positive outcome, it may not directly impact the nurse's ability to provide better patient care.
Choice B: Increase in salary and rank is not the most important effect because while financial benefits are important, the primary focus of obtaining certification should be on improving competence and patient care.
Choice C: More flexibility in seeking employment is not the most important effect because while certification may open up more job opportunities, the main benefit should be on enhancing the nurse's skills and confidence in providing quality
The assessment of pain and anxiety is a continuous proces s. When critically ill patients exhibit signs of anxiety, what is the nurse’s first priority?
- A. To administer antianxiety medications as ordered
- B. To administer pain medication as ordered
- C. To identify and treat the underlying cause
- D. To reassess the patient hourly to determine whether symptoms resolve on their own
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: To identify and treat the underlying cause. The first priority of the nurse when critically ill patients exhibit signs of anxiety is to determine the root cause of the anxiety. By identifying and addressing the underlying cause, the nurse can effectively manage the patient's anxiety and prevent further complications. Administering medications without understanding the cause can mask the symptoms and lead to ineffective treatment. Reassessing the patient hourly may not address the root cause and could delay appropriate intervention. Pain medication may not be necessary if the anxiety is not related to pain. Treating the underlying cause ensures holistic and effective care for the patient.
The nurse is assessing the critically ill patient for delirium . The nurse recognizes which characteristics that indicate hyperactive delirium? (Select aabllir bt.hcaomt /atepstp ly.)
- A. Agitation
- B. Apathy
- C. Biting
- D. Hitting
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Agitation. In hyperactive delirium, patients often exhibit restlessness, agitation, and hyperactivity. This behavior is a key characteristic indicating hyperactive delirium. Apathy (B), biting (C), and hitting (D) are not typically associated with hyperactive delirium. Apathy may be seen in hypoactive delirium, while biting and hitting are not specific indicators of delirium subtypes. Therefore, the correct choice is A as it aligns with the typical presentation of hyperactive delirium.