When performing an initial pulmonary artery occlusion pr essure (PAOP), what are the best nursing actions? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Inflate the balloon for no more than 8 to 10 seconds w hile noting the waveform change.
- B. Inflate the balloon with air, recording the volume nece ssary to obtain a reading.
- C. Maintain the balloon in the inflated position for 8 hours following insertion.
- D. Zero reference and level the air-fluid interface of the tr ansducer at the level of the phlebostatic axis.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Inflate the balloon for no more than 8 to 10 seconds while noting the waveform change. This is because inflating the balloon within this time frame allows for accurate measurement of PAOP without causing complications like pulmonary edema. Noting the waveform change helps in determining the accurate pressure reading.
Explanation of why other choices are incorrect:
B: Inflating the balloon with air and recording the volume necessary is not a recommended practice as it can lead to inaccurate readings and potential harm to the patient.
C: Maintaining the balloon inflated for 8 hours following insertion is unnecessary and could lead to complications such as vascular damage or thrombosis.
D: Zero referencing and leveling the transducer at the phlebostatic axis are important steps but not directly related to performing an initial PAOP measurement.
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Which patient should the nurse notify the organ procureme nt organization (OPO) to evaluate for possible organ donation?
- A. A 36-year-old patient with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3 with no activity on electroencephalogram
- B. A 68-year-old male admitted with unstable atrial fibrillation who has suffered a stroke
- C. A 40-year-old brain-injured female with a history of ovabairrbi.acnom c/taenstc er and a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 7
- D. A 53-year-old diabetic male with a history of unstable angina status post resuscitation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the patient is a 36-year-old with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3 and no activity on electroencephalogram, indicating severe brain injury and likely irreversible neurological damage. This patient meets the criteria for potential organ donation as they are neurologically devastated.
Choice B is incorrect because the patient's condition is related to stroke and atrial fibrillation, not severe brain injury that would make them a candidate for organ donation.
Choice C is incorrect because although the patient has a brain injury and a lower Glasgow Coma Scale score, the history of a reversible cause (ovarian cancer metastasis) and a higher GCS score compared to choice A make this patient less suitable for organ donation evaluation.
Choice D is incorrect as the patient's diabetic and cardiovascular history does not suggest severe brain injury that would qualify for organ donation.
The patient has just returned from having an arteriovenous fistula placed. The patient asks, “When will they be able to use this and take this other catheter out?” The nurse should reply,
- A. “It can be used immediately, so the catheter can come out anytime.”
- B. “It will take 2 to 4 weeks to heal before it can be used.”
- C. “The fistula will be usable in about 4 to 6 weeks.”
- D. “The fistula was made using graft material, so it depends on the manufacturer.”
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: “The fistula will be usable in about 4 to 6 weeks.” The rationale for this is that an arteriovenous fistula typically requires 4 to 6 weeks to mature and be ready for use. During this time, the fistula develops the necessary blood flow for efficient dialysis.
Choice A is incorrect because immediate use of the fistula is not recommended as it needs time to mature. Choice B is incorrect as it underestimates the time needed for the fistula to heal and mature. Choice D is incorrect as the usability of the fistula is not dependent on the manufacturer but rather on the patient's individual healing process.
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.
A patient is admitted to the emergency department (ED) after falling through the ice while ice skating. Which assessment will the nurse obtain first?
- A. Heart rate.
- B. Breath sounds.
- C. Body temperature.
- D. Level of consciousness.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Body temperature. In a patient who has fallen through the ice, hypothermia is a major concern due to exposure to cold water. Assessing body temperature first is crucial to determine the severity of hypothermia and guide immediate interventions. Heart rate, breath sounds, and level of consciousness can be affected by hypothermia but are secondary assessments. Assessing body temperature is the priority to address the most life-threatening issue first.
What were identified as the first critical care units? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Burn units.
- B. Coronary care units
- C. Recovery rooms.
- D. Neonatal intensive care units.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Burn units. Burn units were identified as the first critical care units due to the complex and intensive care required by burn patients. These units were established to provide specialized care for burn victims, including wound management, infection control, and fluid resuscitation.
Summary:
- Burn units were the first critical care units due to the specialized care needed for burn patients.
- Coronary care units focus on cardiac conditions, not the first identified critical care units.
- Recovery rooms are for post-operative care, not specifically for critical care.
- Neonatal intensive care units are specialized for newborns, not the first critical care units.