A nurse is caring for a client who has an endotracheal tube and is receiving mechanical ventilation. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to reduce the risk of ventilator associated pneumonia?
Position the head of the client’s bed in the flat position.
Brush the client’s teeth with a suction toothbrush every 12 hr.
Provide humidity by maintaining moisture within the ventilator tubing.
Turn the client every 4 hr.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Positioning the head of the client’s bed in the flat position is not a good way to reduce the risk of ventilator associated pneumonia. This position can increase the risk of aspiration of oral secretions or gastric contents into the lungs, which can cause infection. The nurse should elevate the head of the bed to 30 to 45 degrees to prevent aspiration and promote drainage of secretions.
Choice B reason: Brushing the client’s teeth with a suction toothbrush every 12 hr is an effective way to reduce the risk of ventilator associated pneumonia. Oral hygiene can reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth and prevent the formation of dental plaque, which can harbor pathogens that can cause pneumonia. The nurse should use a suction toothbrush to remove debris and secretions from the mouth and prevent them from entering the lungs.
Choice C reason: Providing humidity by maintaining moisture within the ventilator tubing is not a helpful way to reduce the risk of ventilator associated pneumonia. Humidity can increase the growth of bacteria and fungi in the ventilator circuit, which can contaminate the air delivered to the lungs. The nurse should change the ventilator tubing and filters regularly and use sterile water to fill the humidifier.
Choice D reason: Turning the client every 4 hr is not a sufficient way to reduce the risk of ventilator associated pneumonia. Turning can help prevent pressure ulcers and improve blood circulation, but it does not prevent the accumulation of secretions in the lungs, which can cause infection. The nurse should use chest physiotherapy, suctioning, and coughing techniques to mobilize and clear secretions from the airways.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Hypotension is not a common manifestation of ARF. Hypotension is a low blood pressure, defined as less than 90/60 mm Hg. Hypotension can have many causes, such as dehydration, blood loss, heart problems, or medications. ARF does not directly cause hypotension, but it can lead to complications such as shock or organ failure, which can lower the blood pressure.
Choice B reason: Decreased level of consciousness is a frequent manifestation of ARF. Decreased level of consciousness is a state of impaired awareness, orientation, memory, or judgment. Decreased level of consciousness can occur in ARF due to several factors, such as hypoxia, hypercapnia, acidosis, or infection. The nurse should monitor the mental status of the client with ARF and report any changes to the provider.
Choice C reason: Severe dyspnea is a common manifestation of ARF. Dyspnea is a subjective sensation of difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Severe dyspnea can occur in ARF due to the reduced oxygen delivery or increased carbon dioxide retention in the blood. The nurse should assess the respiratory rate, rhythm, depth, and effort of the client with ARF and provide oxygen therapy as prescribed.
Choice D reason: Headache is not a typical manifestation of ARF. Headache is a pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. Headache can have many causes, such as stress, dehydration, sinusitis, or migraine. ARF does not directly cause headache, but it can cause increased intracranial pressure or cerebral edema, which can trigger headache.
Choice E reason: Nausea is not a usual manifestation of ARF. Nausea is a feeling of sickness or discomfort in the stomach that can lead to vomiting. Nausea can have many causes, such as food poisoning, motion sickness, pregnancy, or medications. ARF does not directly cause nausea, but it can cause gastrointestinal bleeding or hepatic encephalopathy, which can induce nausea.
Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Hyperthermia. This answer is incorrect because hyperthermia is not a complication of a cervical spinal cord injury, but rather a condition that can worsen the injury. Hyperthermia can increase the metabolic demand and oxygen consumption of the injured spinal cord, leading to more damage and inflammation.
Choice B reason: Absence of bowel sounds. This answer is correct because absence of bowel sounds is a complication of a cervical spinal cord injury, which can affect the autonomic nervous system and impair the function of the gastrointestinal system. A cervical spinal cord injury can cause spinal shock, which leads to decreased peristalsis and paralytic ileus.
Choice C reason: Polyuria. This answer is incorrect because polyuria is not a complication of a cervical spinal cord injury, but rather a condition that can occur after the resolution of spinal shock. Polyuria can result from the loss of sympathetic control over the renal system, leading to increased urine output and decreased antidiuretic hormone secretion.
Choice D reason: Weakened gag reflex. This answer is correct because weakened gag reflex is a complication of a cervical spinal cord injury, which can affect the autonomic nervous system and impair the function of the respiratory system. A cervical spinal cord injury can cause damage to the cranial nerves that control the gag reflex, leading to difficulty swallowing, aspiration, and pneumonia.
Choice E reason: Hypotension. This answer is correct because hypotension is a complication of a cervical spinal cord injury, which can affect the autonomic nervous system and impair the function of the cardiovascular system. A cervical spinal cord injury can cause neurogenic shock, which leads to decreased sympathetic tone, vasodilation, and reduced cardiac output.
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