A patient who has undergone CPR does not follow commands after the return of spontaneous circulation. What is the recommended intervention to decrease mortality and improve neurologic outcomes in this situation?
To increase body temperature and promote cardiac function
To improve respiratory function and oxygenation
To administer medications and stabilize blood pressure
To induce hypothermia through targeted temperature management
The Correct Answer is D
A. To increase body temperature and promote cardiac function:
Hyperthermia worsens neurologic injury. Cooling the patient helps protect the brain.
B. To improve respiratory function and oxygenation:
While this is important, targeted temperature management (TTM) has been shown to specifically improve neurologic outcomes post-ROSC.
C. To administer medications and stabilize blood pressure:
Stabilizing vital signs is essential, but TTM is the specific intervention linked with improved neurologic recovery.
D. To induce hypothermia through targeted temperature management:
TTM (32–36°C) reduces cerebral metabolic demand and limits secondary brain injury in comatose patients post-cardiac arrest.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Enhanced gastrointestinal motility and digestion:
GI motility is actually decreased due to hypoperfusion and stress response.
B. Increased nutrient absorption and intestinal fortification:
Opposite is true-blood flow is diverted from the gut, leading to mucosal ischemia and impaired absorption.
C. Ulceration, GI bleeding, and bacterial translocation:
Decreased gut perfusion compromises the mucosal barrier, increasing the risk of stress ulcers, bleeding, and translocation of gut bacteria into systemic circulation, worsening sepsis or MODS.
D. Reduced vulnerability to gastrointestinal infections:
Immunocompromise and mucosal breakdown increase susceptibility to GI infections.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Increased blood pressure:
Hypotension, not hypertension, is more typical as perfusion worsens in SIRS/MODS.
B. Decreased respiratory rate as the patient becomes somnolent:
Early on, tachypnea is more common as the body attempts to compensate for metabolic acidosis. Decreased RR is a late sign.
C. Mental status changes due to hypoxemia:
This is an early and sensitive indicator of worsening oxygen delivery to the brain and other organs in SIRS/MODS.
D. Normal assessment findings. Early signs of MODS are often not noticed:
Early signs can be detected, especially changes in mental status, urine output, or respiratory rate. Saying they are “not noticed” may result in missed intervention opportunities.
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