In the context of developing a care plan for a patient on a ventilator to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia, which interventions should be included? Select all that apply.
Implement ventilator-weaning protocols.
Provide frequent oral care.
Suction the patient every hour.
Position the patient in a prone position.
Avoid suctioning the patient.
Correct Answer : A,B,D
Choice A rationale
Implementing ventilator-weaning protocols is a crucial intervention in the care plan for a patient on a ventilator to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. These protocols aim to minimize the patient’s exposure to mechanical ventilation, which is a significant risk factor for developing ventilator-associated pneumonia. By systematically reducing the level of ventilatory support, these protocols facilitate the earliest possible liberation from mechanical ventilation, thereby reducing the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Choice B rationale
Providing frequent oral care is another essential intervention in preventing ventilator- associated pneumonia. Oral health can quickly deteriorate in mechanically ventilated patients, leading to an increased risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Regular oral care, including the use of antiseptics, can help reduce the number of potential respiratory pathogens in the oral cavity and prevent their aspiration into the lower respiratory tract.
Choice C rationale
Suctioning the patient every hour is not typically recommended as a standard intervention to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. Over-suctioning can lead to trauma and inflammation in the airway, potentially increasing the risk of infection. Suctioning should be performed based on the patient’s needs and clinical signs, rather than on a fixed schedule.
Choice D rationale
Positioning the patient in a semi-upright position (30 to 45 degrees), rather than a prone position, is recommended to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. This position helps to reduce the risk of aspiration, which is a major risk factor for ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Choice E rationale
Avoiding suctioning the patient is not a recommended strategy for preventing ventilator- associated pneumonia. Suctioning is necessary to clear secretions from the airway, and its omission could potentially increase the risk of infection. However, as mentioned earlier, suctioning should be performed based on the patient’s needs and clinical signs, rather than on a fixed schedule.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While medication errors are indeed considered adverse events, this statement does not fully capture the scope of patient safety and prevention of harm.
Choice B rationale
Errors of execution are usually unintentional, not intentional. They often occur due to system failures rather than time or resource constraints.
Choice C rationale
It is estimated that as many as 90% of medication errors are preventable. This highlights the importance of safety measures and protocols in healthcare settings to prevent harm to patients.
Choice D rationale
Poorly coordinated care and nosocomial infections are examples of errors, but they represent only a fraction of the potential safety issues in healthcare.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Muffled heart sounds are not a typical sign of pneumothorax. They are more commonly associated with conditions such as pericardial effusion or cardiac tamponade.
Choice B rationale
Sudden hemoptysis, or coughing up blood, is not a typical sign of pneumothorax. It is more commonly associated with conditions such as pulmonary embolism or lung cancer.
Choice C rationale
Absent breath sounds on the affected side is a typical sign of pneumothorax. When air enters the pleural space and causes the lung to collapse, breath sounds may be absent or significantly decreased on the affected side.
Choice D rationale
A declining respiratory rate is not a typical sign of pneumothorax. In fact, a rapid respiratory rate (tachypnea) is more commonly observed in pneumothorax due to the body’s attempt to compensate for the decreased lung capacity.
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