The nurse is caring for a client with acute respiratory failure who has been placed on bi-level positive airway pressure (BIPAP) for adequate ventilation. The client complains of nausea and begins to vomit. The priority nursing intervention would be:
remove the BIPAP mask.
Assist the client to a side lying position.
administer ondansetron intravenously (IV).
notify the primary care provider.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Remove the BIPAP mask:
While removing the BIPAP mask may seem like a reasonable action to take in response to vomiting, it is not the immediate priority. The most urgent issue in this scenario is preventing aspiration and maintaining the client’s airway. Removing the mask may be necessary later for resuscitation or further interventions, but the first priority is protecting the airway and preventing aspiration pneumonia, which is best done by positioning the client appropriately. BIPAP should only be removed if the client's airway cannot be maintained, or if there is a need for intubation or other advanced airway management.
B. Assist the client to a side-lying position: When a client on BIPAP (bi-level positive airway pressure) begins to vomit, the priority nursing intervention is to protect the airway and prevent aspiration. The side-lying position is the most effective way to prevent aspiration of vomit into the lungs, as it allows the contents to drain from the mouth and reduces the risk of airway obstruction. This position also ensures that the client’s airway remains open while minimizing the risk of choking or aspiration pneumonia. The side-lying position is crucial in managing nausea and vomiting in clients on non-invasive ventilation, like BIPAP.
C. Administer ondansetron intravenously (IV):
Ondansetron is an effective antiemetic and may be appropriate to administer if the client’s nausea continues. However, nausea and vomiting are secondary concerns in this situation compared to airway protection. The first priority is to position the client to prevent aspiration of vomit. Once the client is in a safe position, ondansetron may be administered to address the nausea and prevent further vomiting, but this does not address the immediate airway risk.
D. Notify the primary care provider:
While notifying the healthcare provider may be necessary at some point, the priority nursing intervention is to manage the immediate concern of the client vomiting while on BIPAP. The primary concern at this point is protecting the airway and preventing aspiration. The healthcare provider may need to be informed about the situation, but the nurse must first ensure the client's safety through appropriate positioning.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Serum potassium of 5.2 mEq/L: A potassium level of 5.2 mEq/L is slightly elevated but is still within a potentially acceptable range (normal is 3.5-5.3 mEq/L). While elevated potassium can be a concern, particularly in the context of an MI or with certain medications (like potassium-sparing diuretics), this level is not critically high. The nurse should monitor the potassium levels, but this is not an urgent finding requiring immediate reporting unless it increases further or is accompanied by significant symptoms (such as arrhythmias).
B. T wave depression on electrocardiogram (ECG): T wave depression can be a sign of ischemia or injury, which is common in the setting of an acute myocardial infarction. However, T wave changes are expected in this context and do not indicate an immediate emergency. The nurse should continue to monitor the ECG for any progression or worsening of ischemic changes but should prioritize concerns such as hypotension or worsening clinical status over this finding.
C. Heart rate of 90 beats per minute: A heart rate of 90 beats per minute is within normal limits (60-100 beats per minute), especially in the early stages of an MI. Nitroglycerin may cause a reflex tachycardia as a compensatory response to the decreased blood pressure, but a heart rate of 90 bpm is not an alarming finding. The nurse should continue to monitor the heart rate, but it is not the most pressing concern compared to hypotension. 4o mini
D. Blood pressure of 90/50: A blood pressure of 90/50 mmHg is significantly low and could indicate that the client is experiencing hypotension, which is a known side effect of nitroglycerin infusion. Nitroglycerin causes vasodilation, which can reduce blood pressure, especially in clients who are already at risk due to an acute myocardial infarction (MI). Low blood pressure can compromise perfusion to vital organs, including the heart, brain, and kidneys, and may lead to shock if not corrected promptly. This finding should be reported immediately to the healthcare provider, as it may require adjustment of the nitroglycerin dosage or discontinuation of the infusion.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Allowing undamaged areas in the lower part of the lungs to be ventilated: The prone position is commonly used in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) to improve oxygenation and ventilation. In ARDS, the lung tissue is often damaged, particularly in the dorsal (back) regions of the lungs, due to gravity and ventilation-perfusion mismatch. By placing the patient in the prone position, gravity helps redistribute the blood flow and improve ventilation to the posterior (lower) parts of the lungs, which are typically under-ventilated in the supine position. This positioning allows healthier or less-damaged areas of the lungs to receive better airflow, improving overall oxygenation.
B. Relieving pressure on the diaphragm and allowing expansion: While the prone position does shift pressure away from certain areas, its primary benefit is not related to relieving pressure on the diaphragm. The diaphragm, while somewhat affected by body position, is not the key structure being targeted for ventilation improvement. The main goal of prone positioning is to improve lung aeration in areas affected by ARDS, not directly to relieve diaphragm pressure.
C. Decreasing pressure to the back of the rib cage: The prone position does not specifically target reducing pressure to the back of the rib cage. Although it changes how pressure is distributed across the body, the main goal is to facilitate better ventilation and perfusion to the posterior lung regions, not necessarily to reduce pressure on the rib cage itself.
D. Sniffing fluid into the back area of the lungs: This option is unclear and not accurate. The prone position does not "sniff" fluid into the lungs; rather, it helps to redistribute fluid and improve the ventilation of the lung areas that are less affected by edema or inflammation in ARDS. The goal is to improve the ventilation/perfusion ratio and prevent further collapse of lung tissue.
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