To achieve the outcome of effective ventilation, which nursing intervention should be included in the plan of care for a client on a ventilator?
Suction the client as needed
Administer pantoprazole sodium IV
Apply sequential compression device (SCD)
Perform oral care with chlorhexidine
The Correct Answer is A
A. Suction the client as needed: Suctioning is an essential nursing intervention for clients on mechanical ventilation to maintain effective ventilation. Ventilated clients are at risk for accumulating secretions in the airway, which can obstruct the endotracheal tube or tracheostomy, impairing ventilation and oxygenation. Regular or as-needed suctioning helps to clear secretions, ensuring that the airway remains patent and effective ventilation is maintained. This intervention directly supports the goal of maintaining optimal respiratory function and preventing complications such as atelectasis, pneumonia, or hypoxia.
B. Administer pantoprazole sodium IV: Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor used to decrease stomach acid, typically to prevent stress ulcers in critically ill patients. While this is an important aspect of care for preventing gastrointestinal complications in ventilated patients, it does not directly support ventilation. Therefore, administering pantoprazole is not as directly related to ensuring effective ventilation as suctioning or other respiratory interventions.
C. Apply sequential compression device (SCD): While applying an SCD is important for preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and promoting circulation in immobile patients, it does not directly address the client's ventilation or respiratory function. This intervention is more relevant for preventing venous thromboembolism, not for managing ventilation or airway clearance.
D. Perform oral care with chlorhexidine: Oral care with chlorhexidine is an important practice to reduce the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and promote overall oral hygiene. It helps decrease the colonization of bacteria in the mouth and reduces the risk of infection. However, while oral care is an essential component of care for a ventilated patient, suctioning directly addresses the goal of effective ventilation by maintaining airway patency, making it the most immediate and relevant intervention for supporting ventilation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "I will report any unusual movements or behaviors to my healthcare provider."
This statement is correct and indicates that the client understands the potential side effects of levodopa/carbidopa. The medication can cause dyskinesia (uncontrolled movements) and other behavioral changes, so the client should report these symptoms to their healthcare provider for possible adjustment of the treatment plan.
B. "I may experience nausea while taking this medication."
This is also correct. Nausea is a common side effect of levodopa/carbidopa, especially when starting the medication. Taking it with food may help reduce this side effect, but some clients may still experience nausea.
C. "I will take this medication with a high-protein meal."
This statement is incorrect. Levodopa is absorbed best on an empty stomach or with a low-protein meal. Protein can interfere with the absorption of levodopa because amino acids (found in proteins) compete with levodopa for absorption across the blood-brain barrier. Therefore, it's recommended that levodopa/carbidopa be taken either 30 minutes before or 1 hour after meals, especially those high in protein.
D. "I will avoid sudden changes in position to prevent dizziness or falls."
This statement is correct. Levodopa/carbidopa can cause orthostatic hypotension (a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up), which increases the risk of dizziness and falls. The client should be advised to change positions slowly and use support when rising from a sitting or lying position to avoid injury.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Recent intake of sildenafil:
While there is a potential drug interaction between atenolol (a beta-blocker) and sildenafil (a phosphodiesterase inhibitor used for erectile dysfunction), this alone would not necessarily be an indication to hold atenolol. Sildenafil can cause hypotension, which might be exacerbated by atenolol, especially in older adults or those with cardiovascular issues. However, this interaction usually requires monitoring rather than immediate discontinuation of atenolol, unless the client is symptomatic (e.g., feeling faint, dizziness). If symptoms of hypotension occur after taking both medications, the nurse would assess the client's condition but would not automatically hold atenolol based solely on this information.
B. Heart rate 52 and blood pressure 90/56: The most concerning finding in a client receiving atenolol (a beta-blocker) for angina is a heart rate of 52 beats per minute (bradycardia) and a blood pressure of 90/56 mmHg (hypotension). Beta-blockers, such as atenolol, work by reducing the heart rate and lowering blood pressure. A heart rate of 52 beats per minute is below the typical threshold of 60 beats per minute and indicates bradycardia, which could worsen due to the medication's effects. Additionally, hypotension (blood pressure 90/56) can be dangerous, especially when combined with bradycardia. Both of these findings suggest that the client may be experiencing excessive beta-blockade, which could lead to severe complications such as cardiogenic shock or arrhythmias. Therefore, the nurse should hold the medication and contact the provider for further assessment and possible adjustment of the treatment plan.
C. Restlessness and mild confusion:
Restlessness and mild confusion could indicate several possible issues, such as hypoxia, electrolyte imbalances, or medication side effects. While beta-blockers can cause side effects like fatigue or depression, restlessness and confusion are not common acute reactions to atenolol. However, if these symptoms are due to hypotension or bradycardia from the atenolol, then holding the medication and notifying the provider may be warranted. Nonetheless, these symptoms alone are not a clear cause to immediately hold atenolol without further assessment.
D. Positional vertigo and wheezing:
Positional vertigo can occur due to a variety of causes, including inner ear issues, hypotension, or even medication side effects. Wheezing, however, raises concerns about potential bronchospasm, which is a known side effect of non-cardioselective beta-blockers. Atenolol is a cardioselective beta-blocker, meaning it is less likely to cause bronchospasm compared to non-cardioselective agents like propranolol. While wheezing could indicate a reaction to the medication, it is not a primary concern with atenolol, unless the client has a history of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). If wheezing occurs, the nurse should still monitor the client but would not necessarily hold atenolol immediately unless the symptoms are severe.
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