A patient is on the ventilator and a high-pressure alarm sounds. The nurse should assess for which of these possible causes for the alarm?

The patient may need suctioning

The patient extubated himself

The ventilator tubing may be disconnected.

The cuff at the end of the endotracheal tube is deflated.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. The patient may need suctioning:
A high-pressure alarm indicates increased resistance to airflow, which could be caused by secretions or mucus in the airways. Suctioning is the appropriate intervention to clear the airways of excess secretions, reducing airway resistance and preventing the high-pressure alarm.

B. The patient extubated himself:
If the patient extubates himself (removes the endotracheal tube), this may result in a low-pressure alarm, not a high-pressure alarm. The low-pressure alarm is triggered when there is a loss of pressure within the ventilator circuit due to disconnection or extubation.

C. The ventilator tubing may be disconnected:
If the ventilator tubing is disconnected, it is more likely to trigger a low-pressure alarm, indicating a loss of pressure in the ventilator circuit. This is not the primary cause of increased resistance seen with a high-pressure alarm.

D. The cuff at the end of the endotracheal tube is deflated:
A deflated cuff can lead to air leakage around the endotracheal tube but is not the primary cause of increased airway resistance seen with a high-pressure alarm. It may cause a low-pressure alarm if cuff pressure is monitored.

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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.

A. Fluctuation of the fluid level within the water seal chamber B. Equal amounts of fluid drainage in each collection chamber C. Continuous bubbling within the water seal chamber D. Absence of fluid in the drainage tubing

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Fluctuation of the fluid level within the water seal chamber
Fluctuation of the fluid level within the water seal chamber indicates that the chest tube is functioning properly. This fluctuation is a normal finding and reflects the movement of air in and out of the pleural space during the respiratory cycle. As the patient inhales, the fluid level drops, and as they exhale, it rises.

B. Equal amounts of fluid drainage in each collection chamber:
Equal amounts of drainage may suggest a problem with the drainage system or that the chest tube is not effectively draining air or fluid from the pleural space.

C. Continuous bubbling within the water seal chamber:
Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber may indicate an air leak, which is not a normal finding. It should be investigated further.

D. Absence of fluid in the drainage tubing:
The absence of fluid in the drainage tubing may suggest that the chest tube is not effectively draining fluid from the pleural space or that there is a blockage in the system. It requires assessment and intervention.

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A patient is on the ventilator and a high-pressure alarm sounds. The nurse should assess for which of these possible causes for the alarm?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Explanation

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Explanation

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