Nokea
The nurse cares for an adolescent patient who is dying. The patient’s parents are interested in organ donation and ask the nurse how the decision about brain death is made. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
- A. Brain death occurs if a person is flaccid and unresponsive.
- B. If CPR is ineffective in restoring a heartbeat, the brain cannot function.
- C. Brain death has occurred if there is no breathing and certain reflexes are absent.
- D. If respiratory efforts cease and no apical pulse is audible, brain death is present.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Brain death has occurred if there is no breathing and certain reflexes are absent. Brain death is defined as the irreversible cessation of all functions of the entire brain, including the brainstem. The absence of breathing and certain reflexes, such as no response to painful stimuli or no pupillary response to light, are key indicators of brain death. This definition is crucial for determining eligibility for organ donation.
Incorrect choices:
A: Brain death occurs if a person is flaccid and unresponsive. Flaccidity and unresponsiveness are not specific criteria for diagnosing brain death.
B: If CPR is ineffective in restoring a heartbeat, the brain cannot function. The absence of a heartbeat alone does not indicate brain death.
D: If respiratory efforts cease and no apical pulse is audible, brain death is present. Respiratory cessation and the absence of pulse are not definitive signs of brain death.
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The primary care provider orders the following mechanica l ventilation settings for a patient who weighs 75 kg and whose spontaneous respiratory rate is 22 breaths/min. What arterial blood gas abnormality may occur if the patient continues taob ibrbe.c otamc/thesyt pneic at these ventilator settings? Settings: Tidal volume: 600 mL (8 mL per kg) FiO 2: 0.5 Respiratory rate: 14 breaths/min Mode assist/control Positive end-expiratory pressure: 10 cm H O
- A. Metabolic acidosis
- B. Metabolic alkalosis
- C. Respiratory acidosis
- D. Respiratory alkalosis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Respiratory acidosis may occur if the patient continues at these ventilator settings. Respiratory acidosis happens when the lungs cannot remove enough of the carbon dioxide (CO2) produced by the body. In this case, the low respiratory rate of 14 breaths/min may not be sufficient to adequately remove CO2, leading to its accumulation in the blood. This results in a decrease in blood pH, causing respiratory acidosis.
Summary of other choices:
A: Metabolic acidosis - Not the correct answer as the ventilator settings are more likely to affect the respiratory system rather than the metabolic system.
B: Metabolic alkalosis - Not the correct answer as the ventilator settings are not related to causing an increase in blood pH, which is characteristic of metabolic alkalosis.
D: Respiratory alkalosis - Not the correct answer as the low respiratory rate would not lead to excessive elimination of CO2, causing alkalosis.
Following insertion of a central venous catheter, the nurse obtains a stat chest x-ray film to verify proper catheter placement. The radiologist reports to the nurse: “The tip of the catheter is located in the superior vena cava.” What is the best inter pretation of these results by the nurse?
- A. The catheter is not positioned correctly and should be removed.
- B. The catheter position increases the risk of ventricular daybisrbr.hcoymth/tmesti as.
- C. The distal tip of the catheter is in the appropriate position.
- D. The physician should be called to advance the catheter into the pulmonary artery.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: The distal tip of the catheter is in the appropriate position.
Rationale:
1. The superior vena cava is a desirable location for a central venous catheter tip placement as it is close to the heart for rapid medication delivery.
2. Catheter tip in the superior vena cava allows for proper venous return and minimizes the risk of complications.
3. The nurse does not need to remove or adjust the catheter if the tip is in the superior vena cava.
4. Advancing the catheter into the pulmonary artery (option D) would be incorrect as it can lead to serious complications.
Incorrect choices:
A: Incorrect because placement in the superior vena cava is acceptable.
B: Incorrect as placement in the superior vena cava does not increase the risk of ventricular dysrhythmias.
D: Incorrect as advancing the catheter into the pulmonary artery is unnecessary and risky.
To verify the correct placement of an oral endotracheal tube (ET) after insertion, the best initial action by the nurse is to:
- A. Auscultate for the presence of bilateral breath sounds.
- B. Obtain a portable chest x-ray to check tube placement.
- C. Observe the chest for symmetric chest movement with ventilation.
- D. Use an end-tidal CO2 monitor to check for placement in the trachea.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because using an end-tidal CO2 monitor is the most reliable method to confirm correct endotracheal tube placement in the trachea. This method detects exhaled CO2, indicating proper tube placement in the trachea. It is a quick and efficient way to confirm placement without delay, reducing the risk of complications.
A: Auscultating for bilateral breath sounds is not as reliable because breath sounds may be heard even if the tube is misplaced.
B: Obtaining a portable chest x-ray is not the best initial action as it takes time and delays confirming tube placement.
C: Observing chest movement may not provide conclusive evidence of proper tube placement and can lead to misinterpretation.
In summary, using an end-tidal CO2 monitor is the most accurate and efficient method to verify correct endotracheal tube placement compared to the other options.
A Muslim woman is admitted to the ICU after suffering severe burns over most of her body. Which of the following would be the most appropriate measure for the nurse, a woman, to take in respect for the cultural practices of this patient?
- A. Insist that only a female doctor be assigned to this patient.
- B. Ensure that no pork products are included in the patients diet.
- C. Ensure that direct eye contact is not made with the patients husband.
- D. Ask the patients husband what religious and cultural preferences should be considered in the patients care.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it demonstrates respect for the patient's autonomy and individual preferences. By asking the patient's husband about religious and cultural preferences, the nurse acknowledges the importance of involving the family in decision-making and shows sensitivity to the patient's beliefs. This approach promotes cultural competence and patient-centered care.
Choice A is incorrect because insisting on a female doctor may not align with the patient's preferences and may limit the available medical staff. Choice B is also incorrect as dietary restrictions are not necessarily the most pressing issue in this scenario. Choice C is incorrect as it assumes a cultural practice without verifying the patient's specific preferences and may not be necessary or appropriate in this context.
The nurse wishes to enhance sleep cycles in her critically ill patient. Research has shown that which nursing action improves sleep in critically ill patients?
- A. Repositioning every 2 hours
- B. Hypnotic medications
- C. Five-minute back effleurage
- D. Adequate pain control
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Adequate pain control. Pain can significantly disrupt sleep in critically ill patients. By ensuring adequate pain control, the nurse can help improve the patient's ability to rest and sleep. This intervention targets a key factor affecting sleep cycles in critically ill patients. Repositioning every 2 hours (A) may help prevent pressure ulcers but does not directly address sleep improvement. Hypnotic medications (B) may have adverse effects and are not recommended as a first-line intervention. Five-minute back effleurage (C) may provide temporary relaxation but is not as effective as adequate pain control in improving sleep quality.