While neuromuscular blocking agents are used in the management of some ventilated patients what is their primary mode of action?
- A. Analgesia
- B. Anticonvulsant
- C. Paralysis
- D. Sedation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Paralysis. Neuromuscular blocking agents work by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses at the neuromuscular junction, leading to muscle paralysis. This is essential in ventilated patients to facilitate mechanical ventilation and prevent patient-ventilator dyssynchrony.
Rationale:
A: Analgesia - Neuromuscular blocking agents do not provide pain relief. They do not have any direct analgesic properties.
B: Anticonvulsant - Neuromuscular blocking agents do not prevent or treat seizures. They do not have anticonvulsant effects.
D: Sedation - While sedatives may be used in conjunction with neuromuscular blocking agents, the primary mode of action of these agents is muscle paralysis, not sedation.
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While caring for a patient with a small bowel obstruction, the nurse assesses a pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP) of 1 mm Hg and hourly urine output of 5 mL. The nurse anticipates which therapeutic intervention?
- A. Diuretics
- B. Intravenous fluids
- C. Negative inotropic agents
- D. Vasopressors
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Intravenous fluids. In the scenario of a small bowel obstruction, a PAOP of 1 mm Hg indicates hypovolemia requiring fluid resuscitation to improve cardiac output and tissue perfusion. The low urine output suggests inadequate renal perfusion, further supporting the need for fluids. Diuretics (choice A) would worsen the hypovolemia. Negative inotropic agents (choice C) decrease cardiac contractility, which is not indicated in this scenario. Vasopressors (choice D) are used for hypotension, not for hypovolemia. Therefore, the most appropriate intervention is to administer intravenous fluids to address the hypovolemia and improve tissue perfusion.
The nurse manager is assisting a nurse with improving organizational skills and time management. Which nursing activity is the priority in pre-planning a schedule for selected nursing activities in the daily assignment?
- A. Tracheostomy tube suctioning.
- B. Medication administration.
- C. Colostomy care instruction.
- D. Client personal hygiene.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Medication administration. This is the priority because medication administration is time-sensitive and crucial for patient safety. It requires precise timing and cannot be delayed. Tracheostomy tube suctioning (A), colostomy care instruction (C), and client personal hygiene (D) are important nursing activities but can be adjusted within the schedule based on patient needs and acuity levels. Prioritizing medication administration ensures that patients receive their medications on time, preventing adverse events and promoting optimal health outcomes.
To maintain proper cuff pressure of an endotracheal tube (ET) when the patient is on mechanical ventilation, the nurse should:
- A. Inflate the cuff with a minimum of 10 mL of air.
- B. Inflate the cuff until the pilot balloon is firm on palpation.
- C. Inject air into the cuff until a manometer shows 15 mm Hg pressure.
- D. Inject air into the cuff until a slight leak is heard only at peak inflation.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because inflating the cuff until a slight leak is heard only at peak inflation ensures it is adequately sealed but not overinflated, preventing complications like tracheal injury or pressure necrosis. Choice A lacks specificity and can lead to overinflation. Choice B may result in overinflation as the firmness of the balloon is subjective. Choice C relies on a specific pressure reading, which may vary based on factors like tube size and patient anatomy, potentially leading to under- or overinflation.
The nurse is caring for a patient receiving peritoneal dialysis. The patient suddenly complains of abdominal pain and chills. The patient’s temperature is elevated. The nurse should
- A. assess peritoneal dialysate return.
- B. check the patient’s blood sugar.
- C. evaluate the patient’s neurological status.
- D. inform the provider of probable visceral perforation.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step 1: Abdominal pain, chills, and elevated temperature suggest a serious complication like visceral perforation.
Step 2: Peritoneal dialysate return assessment won't address the potential life-threatening issue.
Step 3: Checking blood sugar or evaluating neurological status is not relevant to the presenting symptoms.
Step 4: Informing the provider of probable visceral perforation is crucial for prompt intervention and further evaluation.
The nurse is caring for an elderly patient who was admitted with renal insufficiency. An expected laboratory finding for this patient may be
- A. an increased glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
- B. a normal serum creatinine level.
- C. increased ability to excrete drugs.
- D. hypokalemia.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: a normal serum creatinine level. In renal insufficiency, the kidneys are not able to filter waste products effectively, leading to an increase in serum creatinine levels. This is a common indicator of renal dysfunction.
A: An increased GFR would not be expected in renal insufficiency, as it signifies improved kidney function.
C: Increased ability to excrete drugs is not a typical finding in renal insufficiency, as impaired kidney function can lead to drug accumulation.
D: Hypokalemia is not directly related to renal insufficiency. It is more commonly associated with factors like diuretic use or gastrointestinal losses.