A patient, admitted with respiratory failure, is intubated and placed on the ventilator with the following settings: Continuous mandatory volume (CMV) rate of 12 breaths per minute. TV 500 mL. Fi02 50% and PEEP 5 cm H20. The following arterial blood gases are obtained: pH 7.30. PaCO2 50 mmHg HCO3 23 mEq/L. PaO2 82 mmHg. Which of the following ventilator changes would the nurse recommend in the SBAR to the physician?
An increase in the CMV rate
Change to SIMV MODE
A decrease in The PaO2
A decrease in the CMV rate
The Correct Answer is B
A. An increase in the CMV rate:
Increasing the continuous mandatory volume (CMV) rate would provide more mandatory breaths, which may not address the patient's respiratory acidosis. It could potentially worsen the situation by causing respiratory alkalosis.
B. Change to SIMV (Synchronized Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation) MODE
The patient's arterial blood gas results indicate respiratory acidosis with an elevated PaCO2 (50 mmHg) and a low pH (7.30). The nurse would recommend changing to SIMV mode to allow for spontaneous breaths in addition to the set mandatory breaths. This change helps the patient to have more control over their respiratory efforts and may assist in lowering the PaCO2.
C. A decrease in the PaO2:
Decreasing the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) is not an appropriate response, especially when the patient is already on mechanical ventilation and has a moderate PaO2 level. The primary concern is the elevated PaCO2 and respiratory acidosis.
D. A decrease in the CMV rate:
Decreasing the CMV rate would reduce the number of mandatory breaths, potentially allowing the patient to hypoventilate further and retain more carbon dioxide. This is not the appropriate intervention for a patient with respiratory acidosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","D"]
Explanation
A. Decreased lung sounds
A decrease in lung sounds could indicate a pneumothorax, which is a potential complication of thoracentesis. It requires prompt evaluation.
B. Heart rate 110/min and regular
A heart rate of 110/min is within a normal range, and regular rhythm is generally acceptable post-thoracentesis. It may be related to pain or anxiety but is not an immediate concern.
C. Oxygen saturation of 95%
An oxygen saturation of 95% is within an acceptable range. While maintaining adequate oxygenation is important, this finding does not suggest an immediate complication.
D. Subcutaneous emphysema
Subcutaneous emphysema involves the presence of air in the subcutaneous tissues and can indicate a communication between the pleural space and subcutaneous tissues. This requires immediate attention.
E. Trachea midline
The trachea being midline is a normal finding and does not indicate an immediate problem post-thoracentesis.
F. Puncture site dry
A dry puncture site is expected after a thoracentesis. This finding is normal and indicates appropriate wound care. It is included in the list to ensure recognition of normal post-procedure findings.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Encourage oral intake of at least 3,000 mL of fluids per day:
This is not a priority intervention for ARDS. While maintaining adequate hydration is important, the primary focus in ARDS is on respiratory support and oxygenation. Excessive fluid intake may exacerbate pulmonary edema in these patients.
B. Offer high-protein and high-carbohydrate foods frequently:
Nutritional support is important in ARDS, but the primary concern is oxygenation and respiratory function. Offering high-protein and high-carbohydrate foods can support the client's overall nutritional needs, but it may not directly address the respiratory distress.
C. Administer low-flow oxygen continuously via nasal cannula:
This is not typically sufficient for ARDS. ARDS often requires higher levels of oxygen support, and low-flow oxygen may not meet the increased oxygen demand. More aggressive oxygenation strategies, such as non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) or mechanical ventilation, may be necessary.
D. Place in a prone position:
Placing the patient in a prone position is a recommended intervention for ARDS. Prone positioning can improve oxygenation by optimizing ventilation-perfusion matching and reducing pressure on the lungs. This intervention is aimed at improving respiratory function in ARDS patients.
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