A nurse is caring for a client who has acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and requires mechanical ventilation. The client receives a prescription for pancuronium. The nurse recognizes that this medication is for which of the following purposes?
Decrease respiratory secretions.
Induce sedation
Suppress respiratory effort
Decrease chest wall compliance
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Decrease respiratory secretions. This answer is incorrect because pancuronium does not have any effect on the production or clearance of respiratory secretions. This medication is not used to treat the pulmonary edema and inflammation that occur in ARDS.
Choice B reason: Induce sedation. This answer is incorrect because pancuronium does not have any sedative or analgesic properties. This medication does not affect the level of consciousness or pain perception of the client. A client who receives pancuronium should also receive adequate sedation and analgesia to prevent anxiety and discomfort.
Choice C reason: Suppress respiratory effort. This answer is correct because pancuronium is a neuromuscular blocker that inhibits the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscles, causing paralysis and relaxation. This medication is used to suppress the respiratory effort of the client and allow the mechanical ventilator to control the breathing.
Choice D reason: Decrease chest wall compliance. This answer is incorrect because pancuronium does not have any effect on the elasticity or stiffness of the chest wall. This medication is not used to treat the reduced lung compliance and increased airway resistance that occur in ARDS.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Narrowed pulse pressure is not a specific manifestation of pneumonia in the older adult client. Pulse pressure is the difference between the systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings. A normal pulse pressure is about 40 mm Hg, and a narrowed pulse pressure is less than 25 mm Hg. A narrowed pulse pressure can indicate various conditions, such as heart failure, shock, or aortic stenosis, but it is not a sign of pneumonia.
Choice B reason: Night sweats are not a common manifestation of pneumonia in the older adult client. Night sweats are episodes of excessive sweating during sleep that can soak the bedding or clothing. Night sweats can have many causes, such as menopause, infections, medications, or cancer, but they are not typically associated with pneumonia.
Choice C reason: Bradycardia is not a usual manifestation of pneumonia in the older adult client. Bradycardia is a slow heart rate, defined as less than 60 beats per minute. Bradycardia can be normal in some people, such as athletes or those who are very fit, or it can be a sign of a problem with the heart's electrical system. Pneumonia does not cause bradycardia, but it can cause tachycardia, which is a fast heart rate, due to the increased oxygen demand and inflammation.
Choice D reason: Confusion is a frequent manifestation of pneumonia in the older adult client. Confusion is a state of impaired awareness, orientation, memory, or judgment. Confusion can occur in older adults with pneumonia due to several factors, such as hypoxia, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, fever, or infection. Confusion can also increase the risk of complications, such as aspiration, falls, or delirium. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the mental status of the older adult client with pneumonia and report any changes to the provider..
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Droplet precautions are not appropriate for a client who has tuberculosis and a productive cough. Droplet precautions are used to prevent the transmission of infectious agents that are spread by large respiratory droplets, such as influenza, pertussis, or meningitis. Droplet precautions require the use of a surgical mask, eye protection, and gloves when in close contact with the client.
Choice B reason: Protective precautions are not applicable for a client who has tuberculosis and a productive cough. Protective precautions are used to protect immunocompromised clients from exposure to pathogens, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplantation, or stem cell transplantation. Protective precautions require the use of a HEPA filter, a positive pressure room, and a mask for the client when leaving the room.
Choice C reason: Contact precautions are not sufficient for a client who has tuberculosis and a productive cough. Contact precautions are used to prevent the transmission of infectious agents that are spread by direct or indirect contact with the client or the client's environment, such as Clostridioides difficile, MRSA, or VRE. Contact precautions require the use of gloves and gowns when entering the room and the dedicated use of noncritical patientcare equipment.
Choice D reason: Airborne precautions are the correct type of isolation precautions for a client who has tuberculosis and a productive cough. Airborne precautions are used to prevent the transmission of infectious agents that are spread by small respiratory droplets that can remain suspended in the air, such as tuberculosis, measles, or chickenpox. Airborne precautions require the use of a respirator, such as an N95 mask, a negative pressure room, and a mask for the client when leaving the room.
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