A client with respiratory failure has hemodynamic monitoring and is receiving mechanical ventilation with peak end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) of 10 cm H2O. Which information indicates that a change in the ventilator settings may be required?
The arterial line shows a blood pressure of 108/60.
The pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) is increased.
the cardiac output drops from 5 to 3.
The pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) is decreased.
The Correct Answer is C
A. The arterial line shows a blood pressure of 108/60: This blood pressure is within an acceptable range and does not immediately indicate the need to adjust ventilator settings. Hemodynamic monitoring must consider overall trends, not a single reading within normal limits.
B. The pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) is increased: An elevated PAWP indicates increased left ventricular preload or fluid overload, which may require fluid management but does not directly necessitate changing PEEP unless it is contributing to cardiac compromise.
C. The cardiac output drops from 5 to 3: A significant decrease in cardiac output indicates that the high PEEP may be impeding venous return and reducing stroke volume. This is a critical sign that ventilator settings may need adjustment to prevent hemodynamic compromise while maintaining adequate oxygenation.
D. The pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) is decreased: A decrease in PAP is generally not concerning in isolation and may reflect effective oxygenation or reduced pulmonary vascular resistance. It does not typically signal the need to change ventilator settings.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Maintain adequate cardiac output: Adequate cardiac output ensures that oxygen and nutrients are delivered to vital organs and tissues, which is essential for survival. Cardiac dysrhythmias can compromise cardiac output, leading to hypotension, organ dysfunction, or shock. Prioritizing interventions to maintain perfusion addresses the most immediate risk.
B. Maintain normal cardiac structure: While preserving cardiac structure is important for long-term cardiac health, it is not the immediate priority in managing a dysrhythmia. Structural issues are chronic concerns, whereas maintaining perfusion through adequate cardiac output is an urgent, life-sustaining goal.
C. Maintain adequate control of chest pain: Controlling chest pain is important for client comfort and can prevent further myocardial stress, but it does not directly ensure tissue perfusion or prevent hemodynamic compromise. Pain management is supportive rather than the primary goal in dysrhythmia care.
D. Maintain a resting heart rate below 70 bpm: Targeting a specific heart rate is not the priority unless the heart rate is causing compromised cardiac output or symptoms. Focusing on a numerical goal without assessing perfusion may not adequately address the client’s immediate physiologic needs.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Is undoubtedly referred sound, probably due to large amounts of intestinal gas: Bowel sounds are not normally transmitted to the thoracic cavity. Assuming the sounds are merely referred can delay recognition of a serious injury. Trauma victims require careful assessment for structural injuries rather than attributing sounds to benign causes.
B. Client needs a nasogastric tube immediately to prevent aspiration pneumonia: While NG tubes may be indicated in some trauma cases, insertion without further evaluation could worsen injuries if a diaphragmatic rupture is present. Immediate diagnostic assessment takes priority over routine NG placement.
C. Could be due to diaphragmatic rupture and notify the physician immediately: Hearing bowel sounds in the chest after trauma suggests possible diaphragmatic rupture, which can allow abdominal contents to herniate into the thoracic cavity. This is a surgical emergency, and prompt physician notification is required for further imaging and intervention.
D. Client is hungry: Hunger is unrelated to the presence of bowel sounds in the thoracic cavity. Assuming this trivial cause can dangerously delay diagnosis and management of a life-threatening injury.
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