The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis (MG) who is post op thymectomy. The client problem is Ineffective Breathing Pattern, Which action would the nurse include in the plan of care?
Assess lung sounds and respiratory rate at least every 2 hours
Assess and document pain level once every shift
Maintain sequential compression device (SCD's) while in bed
Elevate the head of the bed ten degrees
The Correct Answer is A
A) Assess lung sounds and respiratory rate at least every 2 hours:
In a patient with Myasthenia Gravis (MG) who has undergone thymectomy, monitoring respiratory status is critical. MG is a neuromuscular disorder that can lead to respiratory muscle weakness, which may be exacerbated post-operatively. Assessing lung sounds and respiratory rate at least every 2 hours is crucial to detect early signs of respiratory compromise, including hypoventilation or atelectasis.
B) Assess and document pain level once every shift:
While pain assessment is important, especially after a thymectomy, this action alone does not directly address the immediate issue of ineffective breathing patterns. In patients with MG, respiratory complications are a priority concern. Pain management should be part of the overall plan of care, but it is secondary to monitoring respiratory function in the acute post-operative period. Pain can affect respiratory effort, but it should be managed in the context of more pressing issues like airway and breathing assessment.
C) Maintain sequential compression device (SCD's) while in bed:
While SCDs are important in preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients who are immobile, they are not the most appropriate intervention for a client with ineffective breathing patterns. The primary concern in a post-thymectomy patient with MG is respiratory function.
D) Elevate the head of the bed ten degrees:
While elevating the head of the bed can help with comfort and potentially improve ventilation in some patients, it is not the most specific or effective intervention for managing ineffective breathing patterns in a patient with MG. For optimal respiratory function, it is typically more beneficial to elevate the head of the bed to a higher degree (e.g., 30-45 degrees) to enhance lung expansion, rather than just 10 degrees.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Gradual onset of several hours:
Hemorrhagic strokes, particularly those caused by a ruptured cerebral aneurysm, typically present with sudden onset of symptoms rather than a gradual onset. The symptoms of a hemorrhagic stroke generally occur immediately or within minutes after the rupture.
B) Maintains consciousness:
While some patients may remain conscious initially after a cerebral aneurysm rupture, it is common for individuals with a ruptured cerebral aneurysm to experience loss of consciousness, or at least a decreased level of consciousness. The rupture causes an increase in intracranial pressure and often results in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and confusion, and may progress to coma or unresponsiveness.
C) Neurologic deficits resolved in 1 hour:
In the case of a hemorrhagic stroke, neurologic deficits do not typically resolve quickly, particularly after the rupture of a cerebral aneurysm. Neurological deficits associated with hemorrhagic strokes may include hemiparesis, aphasia, visual disturbances, and confusion. The concept of deficits resolving within 1 hour is more indicative of a transient ischemic attack (TIA).
D) Complaints of the "worst headache of my life":
One of the classic and most characteristic symptoms of a ruptured cerebral aneurysm (leading to hemorrhagic stroke) is a severe headache, often described by the patient as the "worst headache of my life." This sudden and intense headache occurs due to the bleeding into the subarachnoid space from the aneurysm rupture, which irritates the meninges and causes intense pain.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Increased cardiac output:
While cardiac output is an important factor in shock management, the primary goal of nursing care is not specifically to increase cardiac output. Shock typically involves inadequate tissue perfusion, which may be caused by a variety of factors including low cardiac output, vasodilation, or fluid imbalance. The focus of nursing care is to restore adequate perfusion to tissues, which may involve improving cardiac output as part of a larger therapeutic strategy.
B) Inadequate tissue perfusion:
The primary goal in the treatment of shock is to restore adequate tissue perfusion, as shock is defined by a failure of the circulatory system to supply sufficient oxygen and nutrients to the body's tissues and organs. Inadequate tissue perfusion can lead to organ dysfunction and, if not addressed, can result in organ failure and death. Nursing interventions are aimed at improving perfusion through fluid resuscitation, vasoactive medications, and other strategies to ensure that oxygen and nutrients are delivered to vital organs.
C) Fluid overload or deficit:
Managing fluid status is crucial in shock, as fluid imbalance (either overload or deficit) can exacerbate the condition. However, fluid overload or deficit is not the primary focus; rather, it is one aspect of managing inadequate tissue perfusion. For example, in hypovolemic shock, the nurse would manage fluid deficit, while in cardiogenic shock, the focus would be on optimizing fluid balance without causing overload.
D) Vasoconstriction of vasculature:
While vasoconstriction can be a compensatory mechanism in certain types of shock (e.g., hypovolemic shock), the primary goal is not to induce vasoconstriction per se. In some cases, vasodilation may occur (as in septic shock), and vasoconstriction could be harmful. The goal is to optimize the vascular tone and perfusion, which may involve vasodilation or vasoconstriction depending on the type of shock.
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