A 44-year-old female patient has been admitted for an abdominal abscess and sepsis.
She has been on mechanical ventilatory support for the last 2 weeks and is due to start ventilator weaning today.
She is currently on pressure support of 25 cm water (H2O) with no mandatory breaths and a fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) of 35%. What should the nurse do next?
Set up supplemental oxygen delivery.
Increase the fraction of inspired oxygen.
Gather supplies for extubation.
Place a nasogastric tube.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Setting up supplemental oxygen delivery is not the immediate action the nurse should take. The patient’s FiO2 is currently at 35%, which is within the normal range.
Choice B rationale
Increasing the fraction of inspired oxygen is not necessary at this time. The patient’s current FiO2 is within the normal range.
Choice C rationale
The nurse should gather supplies for extubation. As the patient is due to start ventilator weaning, preparing for extubation is the next logical step. This involves having all necessary equipment and personnel ready for the procedure.
Choice D rationale
Placing a nasogastric tube is not the immediate action the nurse should take. While a nasogastric tube can be used to provide nutrition and medication, it is not directly related to the process of ventilator weaning.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["C","D"]
Explanation
Based on the client’s current condition and the urgency of the interventions, the nurse should complete the following prescriptions first:
- C) Apply oxygen 1 L/minute: The client’s oxygen saturation level needs to be kept above 94%. Given her difficulty in breathing and the fact that she is pale and sitting upright, it’s crucial to ensure she is receiving enough oxygen.
- D) Give albuterol as ordered: Albuterol is a bronchodilator that can help relieve the client’s asthma symptoms. Since her symptoms did not resolve after taking her usual dose of albuterol, administering another dose as ordered can help improve her breathing.
Correct Answer is ["C","D","E","F","G","H","J"]
Explanation
Based on the provided information, the following assessment findings require immediate follow-up by the nurse:
- Difficulty breathing on a hike: This is a significant symptom of asthma exacerbation and needs immediate attention.
- Symptoms did not resolve after taking albuterol: Albuterol is a quick-relief medication for asthma symptoms. If symptoms do not improve after its use, it indicates that the asthma exacerbation is severe.
- Mild subcostal retractions: This is a sign of respiratory distress and indicates that the client is using accessory muscles to breathe.
- Wheezes noted throughout the lung fields: Wheezing is a common sign of asthma and indicates airway obstruction.
- The client is pale: Paleness can be a sign of decreased oxygenation.
- Heart rate of 122 beats/minute: A high heart rate can be a sign of distress or could be due to the body’s attempt to compensate for decreased oxygenation.
- Oxygen saturation of 91% on room air: Normal oxygen saturation is typically 95% or higher. A saturation of 91% indicates that the client is not getting enough oxygen.
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