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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Elevate the client’s head of bed:
Elevating the head of the bed is a good practice for patients on mechanical ventilation as it helps prevent complications such as aspiration. However, in the scenario where the client has pulled out the endotracheal tube, the immediate concern is assessing the airway and ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation. Elevating the head of the bed can be done later as needed.

B. Assess the client’s airway:
This is the correct and priority action. The nurse should assess the client's airway first to determine the extent of the situation. This involves checking for signs of airway obstruction, respiratory distress, or inadequate oxygenation. The assessment guides subsequent interventions.

C. Prepare the client for intubation:
While preparing for intubation may be necessary if the endotracheal tube is completely displaced, assessing the airway comes first. The nurse needs to gather information about the client's current condition before deciding on the appropriate course of action.

D. Suction the client’s mouth:
Suctioning may be necessary, especially if there are secretions or other obstructions in the mouth or airway. However, it should come after the initial assessment of the airway. If the client's airway is clear, suctioning may not be the immediate priority.

A. Close the fire doors on the unit B. Use a fire extinguisher to put out the fire C. Move any clients in the immediate vicinity. D. Activate the fire alarm

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Close the fire doors on the unit:
Closing fire doors is a safety measure to contain smoke and flames, but activating the fire alarm is the priority to ensure a swift and comprehensive response.

B. Use a fire extinguisher to put out the fire:
While using a fire extinguisher is an important action, it should come after activating the fire alarm. The fire alarm alerts everyone to the emergency, and then the appropriate personnel can use fire extinguishers as needed.

C. Move any clients in the immediate vicinity:

Priority action during a fire: The priority in any fire situation is to ensure the safety of individuals in the immediate area. The acronym RACE is commonly used in healthcare settings to outline the steps to take in the event of a fire:

Rescue anyone in immediate danger.
Alarm: Activate the fire alarm.
Contain the fire by closing doors.
Extinguish the fire if it is small and safe to do so, or Evacuate the area if necessary.

D. Activate the fire alarm
This is also important but comes after rescuing or moving clients in immediate danger.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has an endotracheal tube and is receiving mechanical ventilation. The client pulls out his endotracheal tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client smoking in his bathroom has dropped a cigarette butt into a wastepaper basket, which begins to smolder. Which of the following actions is the nurse’s priority?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is monitoring a client following a thoracentesis. The nurse should identify which of the following manifestations as a complication and contact the provider immediately?

A nurse is planning care for a client who has acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving heparin by continuous IV infusion. Which of the following medications should the nurse plan to administer in the event of an overdose?

A nurse is preparing for the admission of client who has suspected active tuberculosis. Which of the following precautions should the nurse plan to implement to safely care for this client?

A nurse has received morning report on the following four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?

When planning delegation of tasks to assistive personnel (AP), a nurse considers the five rights of delegation. Which of the following should the nurse consider when using one of the five rights of delegation?