The newly licensed nurse is reviewing ventilator settings with their preceptor. The nurse shows an understanding of PEEP with which of the following statements?

A. Chelation therapy with deferoxamine is used for iron poisoning, not for acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) overdose. Deferoxamine binds excess iron and promotes its excretion, but it does not counteract the toxic effects of salicylates on the body.
B. Inducing vomiting with syrup of ipecac is not recommended due to the risk of aspiration and limited effectiveness. Current guidelines discourage the use of ipecac for poison management because it can delay more effective treatments like activated charcoal.
C. Performing gastric lavage with activated charcoal is appropriate because activated charcoal binds salicylates in the stomach and intestines, limiting further absorption into the bloodstream. Gastric lavage may be considered if the ingestion was recent and life-threatening toxicity is suspected, followed by activated charcoal administration.
D. Administer N-acetylcysteine is the antidote for acetaminophen (Tylenol) toxicity, not acetylsalicylic acid overdose. N-acetylcysteine replenishes glutathione to detoxify acetaminophen metabolites but does not neutralize or eliminate salicylates.

Thoracentesis is non-essential for a client with pneumothorax because it is primarily used to drain fluid accumulation, not air. Unless there is a suspicion of a hemothorax or fluid build-up, thoracentesis would not address the cause of the client's respiratory distress and would not be the initial intervention.

Prepare for insertion of a chest tube is anticipated because it is the standard treatment for pneumothorax. A chest tube allows continuous evacuation of air from the pleural space, promoting lung re-expansion and stabilizing breathing, which is urgently needed for clients who report severe dyspnea and shallow respirations.

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are contraindicated because they involve deep inhalation and forceful exhalation maneuvers, which could cause further lung collapse or exacerbate the pneumothorax. These tests are inappropriate during acute respiratory distress and must be deferred until the pneumothorax resolves.

Obtaining intravenous access is anticipated because having a reliable IV line ensures immediate access for emergency medications, fluids, sedation, and possible analgesia, particularly when preparing for procedures such as chest tube insertion or stabilizing hemodynamic status in case of deterioration.

Obtain ABGs is anticipated because arterial blood gases provide critical information about the client's respiratory efficiency, including oxygenation, ventilation, and acid-base balance. These results help guide the need for supplemental oxygen therapy, ventilatory support, or further interventions.