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The nurse is caring for a patient with an arterial monitoring system. The nurse assesses the patient’s noninvasive cuff blood pressure to be 70/40 mm Hg. The arterial blood pressure measurement via an intraarterial catheter in the same arm is assessed by the nurse to be 108/70 mm Hg. What is the best action by the nurse?
- A. Activate the rapid response system.
- B. Place the patient in Trendelenburg position.
- C. Assess the cuff for proper arm size.
- D. Administer 0.9% normal saline bolus.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (C - Assess the cuff for proper arm size):
1. The cuff blood pressure (70/40 mm Hg) is significantly lower than the arterial blood pressure (108/70 mm Hg).
2. Discrepancy suggests cuff size mismatch, leading to inaccurate readings.
3. Assessing cuff size ensures accurate blood pressure measurement.
4. Ensures appropriate interventions based on accurate readings.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
A: Rapid response not warranted based solely on blood pressure discrepancy.
B: Trendelenburg position not indicated for cuff size issue.
D: Normal saline bolus not appropriate without accurate blood pressure measurement.
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The family of a terminally ill patient is concerned about administering increasing doses of opioids for pain management. What is the nurse’s best response?
- A. Increasing opioids may hasten death, so alternative methods should be considered.
- B. Opioids are necessary to manage pain effectively and improve quality of life.
- C. We will reduce the opioid dose to avoid dependency.
- D. You should consult with a pain specialist about reducing the medication.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because opioids are essential for effective pain management in terminally ill patients, improving their quality of life. Alternative methods may not provide sufficient pain relief. Choice A is incorrect as opioids do not necessarily hasten death when used appropriately for pain control. Choice C is incorrect because reducing opioid dose may lead to inadequate pain management. Choice D is incorrect as consulting a pain specialist to reduce medication may not be appropriate for terminally ill patients needing effective pain relief.
Which action will the nurse need to do when preparing to assist with the insertion of a pulmonary artery catheter?
- A. Determine if the cardiac troponin level is elevated.
- B. Auscultate heart and breath sounds during insertion.
- C. Place the patient on NPO status before the procedure.
- D. Attach cardiac monitoring leads before the procedure.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Attach cardiac monitoring leads before the procedure. This is essential to monitor the patient's cardiac rhythm and detect any abnormalities during catheter insertion. Cardiac monitoring leads provide real-time information on the patient's heart rate and rhythm, allowing the nurse to promptly address any complications.
A: Determining if the cardiac troponin level is elevated is not directly related to assisting with pulmonary artery catheter insertion.
B: Auscultating heart and breath sounds during insertion is important but does not take precedence over attaching cardiac monitoring leads.
C: Placing the patient on NPO status before the procedure may be necessary for other procedures, but it is not specifically required for assisting with pulmonary artery catheter insertion.
The nurse notes that the patient’s arterial blood gas levels indicate hypoxemia. The patient is not intubated and has a respiratory rate of 22 breaths/min. what is the nurse’s first intervention to relieve hypoxemia?
- A. Call the physician for an emergency intubation proced ure.
- B. Obtain an order for bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP).
- C. Provide for oxygen administration.
- D. Suction secretions from the oropharynx.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Provide for oxygen administration. The first intervention for hypoxemia is to increase oxygen levels to improve oxygen saturation in the blood. Oxygen administration can be achieved through various devices such as nasal cannula, face mask, or non-rebreather mask. This intervention helps to increase the oxygen supply to the patient's tissues and organs, addressing the underlying cause of hypoxemia. Calling for emergency intubation (choice A) is not the first step unless the patient's condition deteriorates. Obtaining an order for BiPAP (choice B) may be beneficial in some cases but is not the initial intervention for hypoxemia. Suctioning secretions (choice D) may be necessary if airway obstruction is present but is not the first step in addressing hypoxemia.
The condition of a critically ill patient with a living will has deteriorated. The patient’s partner wants “everything done,” regardless of the patient’s wishe s. Which ethical principle is the partner violating?
- A. Autonomy
- B. Beneficence
- C. Justice
- D. Nonmaleficence
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Autonomy. Autonomy is the ethical principle that respects an individual's right to make decisions about their own care and treatment. In this scenario, the partner wanting "everything done" regardless of the patient's wishes violates the patient's autonomy by not honoring their previously expressed wishes outlined in the living will. This decision disregards the patient's right to make choices about their own healthcare. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because:
B: Beneficence focuses on doing good for the patient, but in this case, the partner's actions are not necessarily in the patient's best interest.
C: Justice pertains to fairness and equal treatment, which is not directly relevant to the situation described.
D: Nonmaleficence is the principle of doing no harm, but in this scenario, the harm is not necessarily physical but rather a violation of the patient's autonomy.
An ICU nurse has provided excellent care for a 6-year-old girl who had been admitted to the ICU for a head injury. The nurse was attentive not only to the needs of the patient but also went out of her way to care for the needs of the girls family. According to research, which of the following forms of recognition would the nurse value the most?
- A. A card from the girls family
- B. A plaque from the ICU physicians naming her as Nurse of the Year
- C. A letter of commendation from the hospitals administration
- D. A bouquet of flowers from her supervisor
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is A: A card from the girl's family. The nurse would value this form of recognition the most because it directly reflects the impact of her care on the patient and her family. It is a personal, heartfelt gesture that acknowledges the nurse's compassion and dedication. A card from the family shows genuine appreciation and gratitude for the nurse's efforts, making it the most meaningful form of recognition.
Summary:
- Choice B: A plaque from the ICU physicians could be seen as a formal recognition but lacks the personal touch and direct impact of the nurse's care on the patient and family.
- Choice C: A letter of commendation from the hospital's administration is a professional acknowledgment but may not capture the emotional connection and impact that the nurse had on the family.
- Choice D: A bouquet of flowers from her supervisor is a nice gesture but does not necessarily reflect the specific impact of the nurse's care on the patient and family.