Nokea
While caring for a client who requires a mechanical ventilator for breathing, the high-pressure alarm goes off on the ventilator. What is the first action the nurse should perform?
- A. Disconnect the client from the ventilator and use a manual resuscitation bag.
- B. Perform a quick assessment of the client's condition.
- C. Call the respiratory therapist for help.
- D. Press the alarm reset button on the ventilator.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A high-pressure alarm suggests obstruction or resistance, so assessing the client’s condition (B) first identifies the cause (e.g., tube kinking, secretions). Disconnecting (A), calling for help (C), or resetting (D) without assessment risks harm or delays resolution.
You may also like to solve these questions
The emergency department (ED) nurse is caring for a client admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which clinical data requires immediate follow-up?
- A. Respiratory rate (RR) 23/minute
- B. Capillary blood glucose 319 mg/dL (17.70 mmol/L) [70-110 mg/dL, 4.0-11.0 mmol/L]
- C. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) 51 mm Hg
- D. PaO2 90 mm Hg [80-100 mm Hg]
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A MAP of 51 mm Hg in DKA (C) indicates severe hypotension and organ hypoperfusion, requiring immediate fluid resuscitation. RR 23 (A) and glucose 319 (B) are expected in DKA, and PaO2 90 (D) is normal, none requiring immediate action.
The nurse is caring for assigned clients. The nurse should first assess the client
- A. with a right femur fracture who reports pain rated as 4 on a scale of 0 (no pain) to 10 (severe pain).
- B. with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who is reporting shortness of breath while ambulating in the hallway.
- C. with a history of T6 spinal injury 6 months ago, now reports a severe headache and is diaphoretic.
- D. one day postoperative from an open cholecystectomy with green drainage from the t-tube.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Severe headache and diaphoresis in a T6 spinal injury (C) suggest autonomic dysreflexia, a life-threatening emergency. COPD shortness of breath (B), femur fracture pain (A), and t-tube drainage (D) are less urgent.
The nurse in the emergency department (ED) is reviewing triage data for assigned clients. The nurse should initially follow up on the client who
- A. is requesting screening for pulmonary tuberculosis after traveling domestically in the United States.
- B. is being treated for a diabetic foot ulcer and requires a dressing change.
- C. is pregnant and has a fever accompanied by a generalized vesicular rash.
- D. is concerned they may have acquired human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) following unprotected sexual activity.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A pregnant client with fever and vesicular rash (C) suggests possible varicella or herpes, posing risks to mother and fetus, requiring immediate follow-up. TB screening (A), foot ulcer dressing (B), and HIV concern (D) are less urgent, as they are preventive or chronic.
The nurse is caring for assigned clients. The nurse should initially follow-up on the client who
- A. has a blood glucose of 250 mg/dL (13.875 mmol/L) while being treated with prednisone for pneumonia.
- B. is receiving a continuous infusion of heparin and has a 50% reduction in platelets over the past five days.
- C. has diabetes mellitus (type two) and reports burning and tingling in both feet.
- D. is being treated for acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis and has an hourly urinary output of 20 ml/hr.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A 50% platelet drop on heparin (B) suggests heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate cessation of heparin. Hyperglycemia (A), neuropathy (C), and low urine output (D) are concerning but less acute, as they are expected or manageable with less urgency.
The nurse is caring for assigned clients. The nurse should initially follow up on the client who
- A. has a basilar skull fracture and has bruises under their eyes.
- B. had a craniotomy and has a change in the Glasgow coma scale (GCS) from 13 to 11 in the last hour.
- C. has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and is requesting to have resuscitation efforts withheld.
- D. has Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and is reporting lower extremity muscle weakness.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A GCS drop from 13 to 11 post-craniotomy (B) indicates neurological deterioration, possibly from hematoma, requiring immediate follow-up. Bruises with skull fracture (A), ALS DNR request (C), and GBS weakness (D) are less urgent, though GBS needs monitoring.