Four hours after mechanical ventilation is initiated for a patient with a suspected drug overdose, the patient's arterial blood gas (ABG) results include a pH of 7.50, Pa0 2 of 80 mm Hg. PaCO2 of 29 mmHg, and HCO3 of 23 mEq/L (23 mmo/L). The nurse will anticipate the need to:
decrease the respiratory rate.
Leave the ventilator at the current settings.
increase the tidal volume (VT).
Increase the F102
The Correct Answer is A
The ABG results show a pH of 7.50, PaCO2 of 29 mmHg, and HCO3 of 23 mEq/L, indicating respiratory alkalosis. In respiratory alkalosis, there is a decrease in PaCO2 (hypocapnia), which can be caused by excessive ventilation.
To address the respiratory alkalosis, the nurse should decrease the respiratory rate. This would help reduce the amount of ventilation provided and allow the patient to retain more carbon dioxide (CO2), thereby increasing the PaCO2 levels and restoring acid-base balance.
B. Leaving the ventilator at the current settings in (option B) is incorrect because it may exacerbate respiratory alkalosis as it would maintain the same level of ventilation.
C. Increasing the tidal volume (VT) in (option C) is incorrect because it would not address the respiratory alkalosis. Tidal volume refers to the volume of air delivered with each breath, while the issue in this case is excessive ventilation leading to hypocapnia.
D. Increasing the FiO2 (fraction of inspired oxygen) in (option D) is incorrect because it is not indicated based on the given ABG results. The oxygenation (PaO2) level is within normal limits (80 mmHg), suggesting adequate oxygenation.
It is important to consult with the healthcare provider or respiratory therapist for further guidance on adjusting the ventilator settings based on the patient's condition and response to therapy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is a blood product that contains various clotting factors, including factors II, V, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, and XIII. These clotting factors are essential for the normal coagulation process. In patients with shock, coagulation abnormalities can occur, and administration of FFP can help replenish the deficient clotting factors and restore proper coagulation function.
The other options mentioned are not the primary components replaced by fresh frozen plasma:
A. Red blood cells are in (option A) is incorrect because Red blood cells carry oxygen and are typically replaced by packed red blood cell transfusions in cases of significant blood loss or anemia. Fresh frozen plasma does not contain a significant amount of red blood cells.
C. Platelets in (option C) is incorrect because: Platelets play a role in blood clotting and are typically replaced by platelet transfusions in cases of thrombocytopenia or platelet dysfunction. Fresh frozen plasma may contain a small number of platelets but is not the primary source for platelet replacement.
D. White blood cells in (option D) is incorrect because White blood cells are part of the immune system and are not typically replaced using fresh frozen plasma. Fresh frozen plasma does not contain a significant amount of white blood cells.
Therefore, fresh frozen plasma is primarily administered to patients in shock to replace clotting factors and help restore proper coagulation function.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Norepinephrine is a vasopressor medication commonly used in the management of septic shock. It acts as a potent vasoconstrictor to increase systemic vascular resistance and improve blood pressure. By constricting blood vessels, norepinephrine helps restore tissue perfusion and improve organ function.
A. Nitroglycerine (Tridil) in (option A) is incorrect because: Nitroglycerine is a vasodilator and would further lower blood pressure. It is not suitable for a patient with septic shock who already has low blood pressure.
B. Atenolol (Tenormin) in (option B) is incorrect because: Atenolol is a beta-blocker and would further decrease heart rate and blood pressure. It is not appropriate for a patient in septic shock who requires intervention to increase blood pressure.
C. Dobutamine (Dobutrex) in (option C) is incorrect because: Dobutamine is an inotropic medication used to increase cardiac output. While it can be helpful in certain types of shock, such as cardiogenic shock, it is not the first-line choice for septic shock when there is inadequate blood pressure response.
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