When rewarming a patient who arrived in the emergency department (ED) with a temperature of 87°F (30.6°C), which assessment indicates that the nurse should discontinue active rewarming?
- A. The patient begins to shiver.
- B. The BP decreases to 86/42 mm Hg.
- C. The patient develops atrial fibrillation.
- D. The core temperature is 94°F (34.4°C).
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. When rewarming a hypothermic patient, the goal is to gradually increase their core temperature. A core temperature of 94°F (34.4°C) is still below the normal range, but it indicates that the rewarming process is working. Shivering (A) is a normal response to rewarming. A decrease in blood pressure (B) may be expected due to peripheral vasodilation during rewarming. Developing atrial fibrillation (C) may be a concern but does not necessarily indicate that rewarming should be discontinued. Therefore, choice D is correct as it signifies progress in the rewarming process.
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Identify which substances in the glomerular filtrate would indicate a problem with renal function. (Select all that apply.)
- A. Protein
- B. Sodium
- C. Creatinine
- D. Red blood cells
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The presence of protein in the glomerular filtrate indicates a problem with renal function because in healthy kidneys, proteins are retained in the blood and not filtered into the urine. If protein is found in the filtrate, it suggests damage to the glomerular filtration barrier. Sodium, creatinine, and red blood cells are normally present in the filtrate and are not indicative of renal dysfunction. Sodium is freely filtered and reabsorbed, creatinine is a waste product of muscle metabolism excreted by the kidneys, and a small number of red blood cells may be filtered due to their small size. Therefore, protein in the glomerular filtrate is the most specific indicator of renal dysfunction.
Upon entering the room of a patient with a right radial arte rial line, the nurse assesses the waveform to be slightly dampened and notices blood to bea bbirabc.ckoemd/te ustp into the pressure tubing. What is the best action by the nurse?
- A. Check the inflation volume of the flush system pressur e bag.
- B. Disconnect the flush system from the arterial line catheter.
- C. Zero reference the transducer system at the phlebostati c axis. WWWWWW ..TTHHEENNUURRSSIINNGGMMAASSTTEERRYY..CCOOMM
- D. Reduce the number of stopcocks in the flush system tubing.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Disconnect the flush system from the arterial line catheter. This action is necessary to prevent air from entering the patient's bloodstream, which can lead to air embolism. By disconnecting the flush system, the nurse stops the flow of air and ensures patient safety. Checking the inflation volume of the pressurized bag (A) is not the immediate concern in this situation. Zero referencing the transducer system (C) is unrelated to the issue of air entering the arterial line. Reducing the number of stopcocks in the flush system tubing (D) does not address the immediate risk of air embolism.
As part of the admission process, the nurse asks several questions about family relationships. The nurse bases these actions on which rationale?
- A. Assessing family relationships is an initial step in including the family in patient care.
- B. These questions are part of the admission assessment tool required by this CCU.
- C. The nurse has a natural curiosity and wishes to know how the family members relate for her own knowledge.
- D. There is an ongoing research study to identify variant family patterns related to disease incidence.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice A is correct:
1. Involving the family in patient care is crucial for holistic care.
2. Assessing family relationships helps identify support systems and potential conflicts.
3. Understanding family dynamics aids in creating a comprehensive care plan.
4. Family involvement can enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction.
Summary of incorrect choices:
B. Irrelevant, as the focus is on patient-centered care, not just fulfilling an assessment tool.
C. Personal curiosity is not a valid reason for assessing family relationships in healthcare.
D. Conducting research on family patterns does not directly impact the immediate care of the patient.
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.
The nurse educator is evaluating the care that a new registered nurse (RN) provides to a patient receiving mechanical ventilation. Which action by the new RN indicates the need for more education?
- A. The RN increases the FIO2 to 100% before suctioning.
- B. The RN secures a bite block in place using adhesive tape.
- C. The RN asks for assistance to reposition the endotracheal tube.
- D. The RN positions the patient with the head of the bed at 10 degrees.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because positioning the patient with the head of the bed at 10 degrees is incorrect for a patient receiving mechanical ventilation. The optimal position for such patients is to elevate the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees to prevent aspiration and improve oxygenation. Option A is incorrect as increasing FIO2 before suctioning is appropriate to ensure adequate oxygenation. Option B is incorrect as securing a bite block in place using adhesive tape is a standard practice to prevent the patient from biting on the endotracheal tube. Option C is incorrect as asking for assistance to reposition the endotracheal tube shows the RN is aware of the importance of proper placement to ensure effective ventilation.
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