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 C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Difficulty moving the upper extremities is not a complication of immobility, but a result of the stroke. A stroke can damage the part of the brain that controls movement, sensation, or coordination of the limbs, causing hemiparesis (weakness) or hemiplegia (paralysis) on one side of the body. The nurse should assist the client with passive or active range of motion exercises to prevent muscle atrophy and contractures.
Choice B reason: Stiffness in the lower extremities is not a complication of immobility, but a result of the stroke. A stroke can affect the muscle tone of the limbs, causing spasticity (increased muscle tension) or flaccidity (decreased muscle tone) on one side of the body. The nurse should apply splints or braces to prevent deformities and provide massage or stretching to relieve stiffness.
Choice C reason: A reddened area over the sacrum is a complication of immobility, and a sign of a pressure injury. A pressure injury is a localized damage to the skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure, friction, or shear. The sacrum is a common site for pressure injuries, as it is a bony prominence that bears the weight of the body when lying down. The nurse should reposition the client every 12 hours, provide skin care, and use pressure relieving devices to prevent pressure injuries.
Choice D reason: Difficulty hearing some types of sounds is not a complication of immobility, but a result of aging or other factors. Hearing loss can occur due to various causes, such as exposure to loud noise, ear infections, earwax buildup, or ototoxic medications. The nurse should assess the client's hearing and use communication strategies, such as speaking clearly, facing the client, and reducing background noise.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: The client is unable to make vocal sounds. This conclusion is not based on the GCS score of 5 for best verbal response, which indicates that the client is oriented and converses normally. The client may have other reasons for being unable to make vocal sounds, such as intubation or injury to the vocal cords.
Choice B reason: The client opens his eyes when spoken to. This conclusion is based on the GCS score of 3 for eye opening, which indicates that the client responds to verbal stimuli. This is the highest level of eye opening response on the GCS.
Choice C reason: The client is unconscious. This conclusion is not based on the GCS score of 13 (3+5+5), which indicates that the client has a mild level of impaired consciousness. The client is not unconscious, but may have reduced awareness or attention.
Choice D reason: The client can follow simple motor commands. This conclusion is not based on the GCS score of 5 for best motor response, which indicates that the client localizes pain. This means that the client moves their limbs away from a painful stimulus, but does not necessarily follow commands.
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