Which assessment finding by the nurse caring for a patient receiving mechanical ventilation indicates the need for suctioning?
The patient has occasional audible expiratory wheezes.
The patient's respiratory rate is 32 breaths/min
The patient was last suctioned 6 hours ago.
The patient's oxygen saturation drops to 93%.
The Correct Answer is D
D. A drop in oxygen saturation may indicate inadequate oxygenation, which could be due to airway obstruction or retained secretions.
A. While audible expiratory wheezes may indicate airway obstruction or secretions, they do not necessarily indicate the need for suctioning in a patient receiving mechanical ventilation.
B. An elevated respiratory rate may suggest increased work of breathing, which could be due to retained secretions or airway obstruction. However, an elevated respiratory rate alone may not always indicate the need for suctioning.
C. The timing of the last suctioning episode is an important consideration when determining the need for suctioning. However, it should not be the sole indicator for when to suction.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E","F"]
Explanation
B. Continuous monitoring of vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation, is essential for assessing the patient's hemodynamic status and response to treatment.
Additionally, continuous electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring allows for real-time assessment of cardiac rhythm and conduction abnormalities.
C. This is an important nursing action to provide comfort and reduce anxiety for the patient. Transcutaneous pacing is often used as a temporary measure to stabilize heart rate and cardiac output until more definitive treatment, such as insertion of a permanent pacemaker, can be performed.
D. Atropine is another medication commonly used in ACLS protocols for symptomatic bradycardia and heart block. It acts to increase heart rate by blocking vagal tone. However, its effectiveness in third- degree heart block may be limited, and transcutaneous pacing is often the preferred intervention in this situation.
E. Correct placement of transcutaneous pacemaker pads is crucial for effective pacing. The pads should be placed on the chest over the heart to deliver electrical impulses and stimulate myocardial contraction. Proper placement ensures optimal pacing effectiveness and patient safety.
F. This nursing action addresses the patient's comfort and pain management following the placement of the transcutaneous pacemaker. The procedure may cause discomfort or pain, and appropriate analgesia should be provided to alleviate any discomfort and promote patient comfort.
A. Epinephrine is a medication commonly used in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) protocols for bradycardia and heart block. In this scenario, the patient's heart rate has decreased to 40 beats/minute, indicating symptomatic bradycardia and potential hemodynamic instability. Epinephrine may be administered to increase heart rate and improve cardiac output.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) reflects the average pressure in the arteries during one cardiac cycle and is an important indicator of tissue perfusion. A MAP of 56 mm Hg is below the normal range (typically >60 mm Hg) and may indicate inadequate tissue perfusion. While norepinephrine is commonly used to increase blood pressure and improve tissue perfusion in hypotensive patients, a MAP of 56 mm Hg suggests that the current infusion rate may not be sufficient to maintain adequate perfusion, and adjusting the infusion rate may be warranted.
A. Norepinephrine is a vasopressor medication primarily used to increase blood pressure in patients with hypotension or shock. A low pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) suggests decreased preload, which may indicate hypovolemia or inadequate fluid resuscitation. In this case, adjusting the norepinephrine infusion rate may not be necessary, but rather addressing the underlying cause of hypovolemia or inadequate preload.
B. Systemic vascular resistance (SVR) represents the resistance the heart must overcome to pump blood into the systemic circulation. An elevated SVR may suggest vasoconstriction, which could be a desired effect of norepinephrine infusion to increase blood pressure. Therefore, an elevated SVR may not necessarily indicate a need to adjust the norepinephrine infusion rate, as it may reflect the medication's intended action.
D. Norepinephrine primarily acts on alpha-adrenergic receptors to increase blood pressure by inducing vasoconstriction. While it may cause reflex bradycardia due to increased systemic vascular resistance, a heart rate of 58 beats/min may be within an acceptable range depending on the patient's clinical condition and baseline heart rate. Therefore, a slow heart rate alone may not necessarily indicate a need to adjust the norepinephrine infusion rate unless it is associated with signs of inadequate tissue perfusion or other concerning symptoms.
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