Nokea
During the primary assessment of a victim of a motor vehicle collision, the nurse determines that the patient is breathing and has an unobstructed airway. Which action should the nurse take next?
- A. Palpate extremities for bilateral pulses.
- B. Observe the patient’s respiratory effort.
- C. Check the patient’s level of consciousness.
- D. Examine the patient for any external bleeding.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rationale: The correct action is to observe the patient's respiratory effort next. This step ensures that the patient's breathing remains stable and adequate. If respiratory effort is compromised, immediate intervention is required. Checking for bilateral pulses (A) is important but comes after ensuring respiratory status. Checking level of consciousness (C) is also crucial but not as immediate as monitoring breathing. Examining for external bleeding (D) is important but not the priority when airway and breathing are already determined to be clear.
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A patient presents to the emergency department in acute re spiratory failure secondary to community-acquired pneumonia. The patient has a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The nurse anticipates which treatment to facilitate ventilation?
- A. Emergency tracheostomy and mechanical ventilation
- B. Mechanical ventilation via an endotracheal tube
- C. Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NPPV)
- D. Oxygen at 100% via bag-valve-mask device
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Mechanical ventilation via an endotracheal tube. In acute respiratory failure, especially in the setting of pneumonia and COPD, mechanical ventilation is often necessary to support breathing. Endotracheal intubation allows for precise control of airway patency, oxygenation, and ventilation. Emergency tracheostomy (choice A) is typically reserved for long-term ventilatory support. Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (choice C) may not provide sufficient support in severe cases. Oxygen via bag-valve-mask (choice D) may not be adequate for ventilatory support in acute respiratory failure.
The nurse is caring for a patient with a subarachnoid hemorrhage who is intubated and placed on a mechanical ventilator with 10 cm H2O of peak end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). When monitoring the patient, the nurse will need to notify the healthcare provider immediately if the patient develops:
- A. Oxygen saturation of 93%.
- B. Respirations of 20 breaths/minute.
- C. Green nasogastric tube drainage.
- D. Increased jugular venous distention.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Increased jugular venous distention. In a patient with a subarachnoid hemorrhage and on mechanical ventilation, increased jugular venous distention can indicate increased intracranial pressure, which can be life-threatening. The nurse should notify the healthcare provider immediately as it may require urgent intervention to prevent further neurological deterioration.
A: Oxygen saturation of 93% is within the acceptable range for a patient on mechanical ventilation and may not require immediate notification.
B: Respirations of 20 breaths/minute are within normal limits for a ventilated patient and do not necessarily indicate a critical condition.
C: Green nasogastric tube drainage may indicate the presence of bile and could be related to gastrointestinal issues, but it does not pose an immediate threat to the patient's neurological status.
The nurse assesses a patient who is admitted for an overdo se of sedatives. The nurse expects to find which acid-base alteration?
- A. Hyperventilation and respiratory acidosis
- B. Hypoventilation and respiratory acidosis
- C. Hypoventilation and respiratory alkalosis
- D. Respiratory acidosis and normal oxygen levels
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hypoventilation and respiratory acidosis. When a patient overdoses on sedatives, it can lead to respiratory depression causing hypoventilation. Hypoventilation results in retention of CO2, leading to respiratory acidosis. This is because the body is not effectively exhaling CO2, causing an increase in carbonic acid levels and a decrease in blood pH. The other choices are incorrect because hyperventilation would lead to respiratory alkalosis (Choice A), hypoventilation does not cause respiratory alkalosis (Choice C), and normal oxygen levels do not indicate the acid-base imbalance caused by sedative overdose (Choice D).
The nurse caring for a critically ill patient implements several components of care. What component is an example of the use of evidence-based practice?
- A. Use of a protocol for admission of a patient to the unit
- B. Application of an insulin sliding scale method from research
- C. Checking the patients armband before giving a medication
- D. Limiting visits to immediate family only for 2 hours a day
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because applying an insulin sliding scale method based on research is an example of evidence-based practice. This method is derived from scientific evidence and research studies, ensuring the best outcomes for the patient. The other choices lack the same level of evidence-based rationale: A is based on a protocol, which may not be evidence-based; C is a standard safety practice, not necessarily evidence-based; D is a decision based on hospital policy or practicality, not specifically evidence-based.
When caring for a patient who has an arterial catheter in the left radial artery for arterial pressure-based cardiac output (APCO) monitoring, which information obtained by the nurse is most important to report to the health care provider?
- A. The patient has a positive Allen test.
- B. There is redness at the catheter insertion site.
- C. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) is 86 mm Hg.
- D. The dicrotic notch is visible in the arterial waveform.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: There is redness at the catheter insertion site. Redness at the catheter insertion site could indicate infection, which is a serious complication that requires immediate attention to prevent sepsis. Reporting this to the healthcare provider promptly is crucial for timely intervention. Choices A, C, and D are not as urgent. A positive Allen test (choice A) assesses collateral circulation and is important for assessing perfusion before arterial cannulation but does not require immediate intervention. Choice C (MAP is 86 mm Hg) falls within the normal range, so it does not indicate an urgent issue. The visibility of the dicrotic notch in the arterial waveform (choice D) is a normal finding and does not require immediate action.