A client was successfully extubated after several days of sedation and mechanical ventilation and is currently receiving 40% oxygen via a face mask. While making rounds, the nurse finds the client confused and attempting to get out of bed. Current vital signs are an oral temperature 99.2°F (37.3° C), heart rate 112 beats/minutes, respirations 16 breaths/minute, blood pressure 100/70 mm Hg, and an oxygen saturation of 98%. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
Administer a PRN dose of benzodiazepine.
Increase the oxygen concentration to 60%.
Apply bilateral wrist restraints.
Notify the rapid response team.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Administer a PRN dose of benzodiazepine.
Benzodiazepines can cause respiratory depression and prolong delirium, especially in clients recovering from mechanical ventilation and sedation. The client’s confusion is likely transient post-extubation delirium, which often resolves with reorientation and safety measures rather than sedation.
B. Increase the oxygen concentration to 60%.
The client is maintaining an oxygen saturation of 98% on 40% FiO₂, indicating adequate oxygenation. Increasing the oxygen concentration to 60% is unnecessary and may increase the risk of oxygen toxicity.
C. Apply bilateral wrist restraints.
The client is confused and attempting to get out of bed, increasing the risk of falls and accidental self-injury. Restraints should be used as a last resort after ensuring non-pharmacological interventions (e.g., reorientation, sitter, bed alarms) are ineffective or unavailable. If applied, restraints must be monitored closely and removed as soon as possible.
D. Notify the rapid response team.
The client’s vital signs are stable, and oxygenation is adequate. Although confusion is concerning, it does not indicate an immediate life-threatening emergency requiring a rapid response team. Instead, the nurse should implement safety interventions and continue close monitoring.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is []
Explanation
Answer:
Potential Condition:
Acute Adrenal Crisis
- The client has a history of Addison’s disease (chronic steroid use) and recent illness with vomiting, leading to decreased oral intake and medication noncompliance.
- Symptoms such as hypotension (80/50 mmHg), tachycardia (115 bpm), confusion, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain are classic signs of acute adrenal insufficiency.
Actions to Take:
Bolus Intravenous Fluids
- Fluid resuscitation with 0.9% normal saline is critical to restore intravascular volume and correct hypotension due to adrenal insufficiency.
Check Blood Glucose
- Hypoglycemia is a common complication of adrenal crisis due to cortisol deficiency, requiring close monitoring and possible glucose administration.
Parameters to Monitor:
Blood Pressure
- Hypotension is a hallmark of adrenal crisis and must be monitored closely to assess response to fluid resuscitation and steroid therapy.
Electrolytes
- Clients with adrenal crisis often have hyponatremia and hyperkalemia due to aldosterone deficiency, requiring frequent electrolyte monitoring.
Incorrect Choices:
Potential Conditions:
- Ketoacidosis: More common in diabetes, presents with high blood glucose and ketonuria.
- Diabetes Insipidus: Causes polyuria and dehydration but lacks hypotension and hyperkalemia.
- Myxedema: Linked to hypothyroidism, causing bradycardia and hypothermia, not hypotension and hyperkalemia.
Actions to Take:
- Hold hydrocortisone dose: Steroid replacement is necessary, not withholding it.
- Collect urine for a urinalysis: Not a priority; adrenal crisis is diagnosed via history, symptoms, and labs.
- Change intravenous fluids to 0.45%: Hypotension requires 0.9% normal saline, not hypotonic fluids.
Parameters to Monitor:
- Urine output: Useful but less critical than blood pressure and electrolytes in adrenal crisis.
- Thyroid stimulating hormone: Relevant for hypothyroidism, not adrenal insufficiency.
- Heart rate: Tachycardia is expected but is not the most critical indicator of improvement.
Correct Answer is ["5"]
Explanation
Calculation:
Calculate the New Nitroglycerin Dose in mcg/hour
Dose (mcg/hour) = Dose (mcg/min) × 60 min/hour
=15 mcg/min × 60 min/hour = 900 mcg/hour
Convert mcg to mg
Dose (mg/hour) = Dose (mcg/hour) / 1000 mcg/mg
=900 mcg/hour / 1000 mcg/mg
= 0.9 mg/hour
Calculate the Concentration of Nitroglycerin in the IV Bag
Concentration (mg/mL) = Total mg of Nitroglycerin / Total mL of Solution
=50 mg / 250 mL
= 0.2 mg/mL
Calculate the Infusion Rate = Infusion Rate (mL/hour)
=0.9 mg/hour / 0.2 mg/mL
= 4.5 mL/hour
Round to the Nearest Whole Number
4.5 mL/hour rounded to 5 mL/hour
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
