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Which nursing interventions would best support the family of a critically ill patient?
- A. Encouraging family members to stay all night in case t he patient needs them.
- B. Giving a condition update each morning and whenever changes occur.
- C. Limiting visitation from children into the critical care u nit.
- D. Providing beverages and snacks in the waiting room.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because giving regular condition updates promotes transparency and communication, reducing anxiety for the family. This intervention helps them stay informed and involved in the patient's care. Choice A may lead to caregiver fatigue and is not sustainable. Choice C limits family support and may increase stress. Choice D focuses on comfort but does not address the family's need for information.
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A patient with respiratory failure has arterial pressure-based cardiac output (APCO) monitoring and is receiving mechanical ventilation with peak end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) of 12 cm H2O. Which information indicates that a change in the ventilator settings may be required?
- A. The arterial pressure is 90/46.
- B. The heart rate is 58 beats/minute.
- C. The stroke volume is increased.
- D. The stroke volume variation is 12%.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. A decrease in the arterial pressure (hypotension) with a low diastolic pressure (46 mmHg) may indicate inadequate perfusion, possibly due to inadequate cardiac output from the mechanical ventilation. This suggests that a change in ventilator settings may be required to improve oxygenation and perfusion.
Option B is incorrect because a heart rate of 58 beats/minute alone does not provide direct information on the patient's hemodynamic status. Option C is incorrect as an increased stroke volume would usually be a positive indicator; it does not necessarily indicate a need for changing the ventilator settings. Option D is incorrect as a stroke volume variation of 12% is within normal limits and does not necessarily require a change in ventilator settings.
A nurse is caring for an elderly man recently admitted to the ICU following a stroke. She assesses his cognitive function using a new cognitive assessment test she learned about in a recent article in a nursing journal. She then brings a cup of water and a straw to the patient because she observes that his lips are dry. Later, she has the patient sit in a wheelchair and takes him to have some blood tests performed. He objects at first, saying that he can walk on his own, but the nurse explains that it is hospital policy to use the wheelchair. That evening, she recognizes signs of an imminent stroke in the patient and immediately pages the physician. Which action taken by the nurse is the best example of evidence-based practice?
- A. Giving the patient a cup of water
- B. Transferring the patient in a wheelchair
- C. Recognizing signs of imminent stroke and paging the physician
- D. Using the cognitive assessment test
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Recognizing signs of an imminent stroke and paging the physician. This action exemplifies evidence-based practice as it involves timely identification of a critical medical condition based on clinical assessment and prompt communication with the physician for further intervention. This aligns with the principles of evidence-based practice, which emphasize the integration of best available evidence with clinical expertise and patient values.
The other choices are incorrect:
A: Giving the patient a cup of water - While providing hydration is important for patient care, it does not demonstrate evidence-based practice in this scenario.
B: Transferring the patient in a wheelchair - Although using a wheelchair may be hospital policy, it does not directly relate to evidence-based practice in this context.
D: Using the cognitive assessment test - While assessing cognitive function is essential, it does not directly address the immediate medical needs of the patient as recognizing signs of an imminent stroke does.
The nurse is caring for a 100-kg patient being monitored with a pulmonary artery catheter. The nurse assesses a blood pressure of 90/60 mm Hg, hear t rate 110 beats/min, respirations 36/min, oxygen saturation of 89% on 3 L of oxygen via nasal cannula. Bilateral crackles are audible upon auscultation. Which hemodynamic value reqaubiirrbe.sco imm/temste diate action by the nurse?
- A. Cardiac index (CI) of 1.2 L/min/m3
- B. Cardiac output (CO) of 4 L/min
- C. Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) of 80 dynes/sec/cm5
- D. Systemic vascular resistance (SVR) of 1800 dynes/sec /cm5
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cardiac output (CO) of 4 L/min. In this scenario, the patient is presenting with signs of pulmonary congestion and hypoxemia, indicating possible cardiogenic pulmonary edema. As the cardiac output is a key indicator of how well the heart is functioning and delivering blood to the body, a low cardiac output can lead to inadequate tissue perfusion and worsen the patient's condition. Therefore, immediate action is required to address the low cardiac output to improve tissue perfusion and oxygenation.
Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not directly address the primary concern of inadequate cardiac output in this patient. Cardiac index, pulmonary vascular resistance, and systemic vascular resistance are important parameters to monitor, but in this case, the priority is to address the low cardiac output to improve the patient's condition.
How should the nurse interprets these blood gas values? 2 3
- A. Compensated metabolic alkalosis
- B. Normal values
- C. Uncompensated respiratory acidosis
- D. Uncompensated respiratory alkalosis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct interpretation is uncompensated respiratory acidosis (Choice C) based on the values. Step 1: Evaluate pH - pH is <7.35, indicating acidosis. Step 2: Determine PaCO2 - PaCO2 is >45 mmHg, indicating respiratory cause. Step 3: Check HCO3- - HCO3- is within normal range, indicating uncompensated state. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the given blood gas values.
One of the strategies shown to reduce perception of stress in critically ill patients and their families is support of spirituality. What nursing action is most clearly supportive of the patients spirituality?
- A. Referring patients to the Catholic chaplain
- B. Providing prayer booklets to patients and families
- C. Asking about beliefs about the universe
- D. Avoiding discussing religion with those of other faiths
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because asking about beliefs about the universe allows the nurse to understand the patient's spiritual needs and provide appropriate support. This action shows respect for the patient's beliefs and can help establish a connection between the patient and the nurse. Referring patients to a specific religious figure (choice A) may not align with the patient's beliefs. Providing prayer booklets (choice B) assumes the patient's belief system and may not be helpful. Avoiding discussing religion (choice D) can hinder the nurse-patient relationship and overlook potential sources of support for the patient.