A nurse is caring for a patient immediately following endotracheal intubation.
Which of the following actions should the nurse prioritize to assess the patient for complications?
Auscultate lungs for the presence of breath sounds.
Determine that the pulse oximetry is greater than 95%.
Assess baseline level of consciousness.
Assess for the presence of circumoral cyanosis.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Auscultating the lungs for the presence of breath sounds is a priority action following endotracheal intubation. This helps to confirm correct tube placement and assess for complications such as a pneumothorax.
Choice B rationale
While it is important to ensure that the pulse oximetry is greater than 95% to confirm adequate oxygenation, this is not the priority action. The nurse should first confirm correct tube placement by auscultating lung sounds.
Choice C rationale
Assessing the baseline level of consciousness is important, but it is not the priority action following endotracheal intubation.
Choice D rationale
Assessing for the presence of circumoral cyanosis can indicate hypoxia, but it is not the priority action. The nurse should first confirm correct tube placement by auscultating lung sounds.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While being able to drink water through a straw without choking is a positive sign, it is not the primary indicator that a patient can safely resume oral liquids after a bronchoscopy. The primary indicator is the return of the patient’s cough and swallowing reflexes.
Choice B rationale
The patient has intact cough and swallowing reflexes is the primary indicator that a patient can safely resume oral liquids after a bronchoscopy. These reflexes are essential for preventing aspiration, which can lead to pneumonia.
Choice C rationale
While clear breath sounds upon auscultation are a positive sign, they are not the primary indicator that a patient can safely resume oral liquids after a bronchoscopy. The primary indicator is the return of the patient’s cough and swallowing reflexes.
Choice D rationale
The absence of a sore throat is not the primary indicator that a patient can safely resume oral liquids after a bronchoscopy. The primary indicator is the return of the patient’s cough and swallowing reflexes.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Following ventilator-weaning protocols is an important intervention to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. Weaning protocols help to reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation, which is a risk factor for developing ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Choice B rationale
Providing frequent mouth care is a key intervention in preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia. Good oral hygiene can help to reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth that can potentially be aspirated into the lungs.
Choice C rationale
Suctioning the patient every hour is not typically recommended as a method to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. Over-suctioning can potentially damage the lung tissue and mucous membranes, and it can also increase the risk of introducing bacteria into the lungs.
Choice D rationale
Placing the patient in a prone position can help to improve oxygenation and reduce the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia. The prone position can help to drain secretions from the lungs, reducing the risk of bacteria growth and infection.
Choice E rationale
Refraining from suctioning the patient is not a recommended intervention to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. Suctioning is necessary to remove secretions from the airway, which can help to prevent infection.
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