A nurse is caring for a patient who has a pneumothorax and whose vitals show low blood pressure.
The nurse is aware the hypotension could be a sign of which known complication that is associated with poor outcomes from pneumothorax?
Bundle branch block.
Deep vein thrombosis.
Decreased cardiac output.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice C rationale
Hypotension in a patient with a pneumothorax, especially a tension pneumothorax, is a significant indicator of decreased cardiac output. The accumulation of air in the pleural space increases intrathoracic pressure, which compresses the vena cava and the heart, impairing venous return to the right side of the heart. This reduces preload, leading to a profound decrease in stroke volume and cardiac output, resulting in hypotension and obstructive shock.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber indicates a persistent air leak within the chest tube system. This is an abnormal finding as bubbling should only occur intermittently during expiration or coughing. A continuous air leak prevents the establishment of a negative intrapleural pressure, compromising the lung's ability to re-expand and can indicate a loose connection or a pleural tear.
Choice B rationale
Bloody drainage in the collection chamber is expected following chest surgery, especially in the immediate postoperative period. The amount and rate of drainage are the key assessments. The drainage should decrease over time.
Choice C rationale
Constant bubbling in the suction-control chamber is the expected and desired finding when suction is applied. This continuous bubbling confirms that the prescribed level of suction is being delivered to the pleural space, which is essential for removing air and fluid and promoting lung re-expansion.
Choice D rationale
Fluid-level fluctuations, also known as tidaling, in the water-seal chamber are a normal and expected finding. This movement reflects the changes in intrapleural pressure during respiration. The fluid level rises with inspiration and falls with expiration, indicating that the chest tube is patent and the lung is not fully re-expanded
Correct Answer is ["2600"]
Explanation
The patient has an order for Percocet 2 tabs qh prn for pain. Based on the label below, if the patient takes 2 tabs every 6 hours, how much acetaminophen will the patient take in 24 hours?.
Step 1: Calculate the amount of acetaminophen per dose. 2 tabs × 325 mg/tab = 650 mg.
Step 2: Determine the number of doses in 24 hours. 24 hours ÷ 6 hours = 4 doses.
Step 3: Calculate the total amount of acetaminophen in 24 hours. 650 mg/dose × 4 doses = 2600 mg. The patient will take 2600 mg of acetaminophen in 24 hours.
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