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%.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator commonly used to reduce preload and afterload in critical care settings. By dilating blood vessels, nitroglycerin decreases systemic vascular resistance (afterload), which reduces the workload on the heart and improves cardiac output. It is often used to manage conditions such as acute heart failure, hypertensive emergencies, and acute coronary syndromes.

B. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that primarily acts to reduce heart rate and myocardial contractility. While it can indirectly reduce afterload by lowering blood pressure, its primary mechanism of action is not targeted at afterload reduction. Metoprolol is commonly used in critical care for various indications, including hypertension, myocardial infarction, and heart failure, but it is not primarily used for afterload reduction.

C. Furosemide is a loop diuretic commonly used to manage volume overload and reduce preload in critical care settings. By promoting diuresis, furosemide decreases circulating blood volume, venous return, and preload, which indirectly reduces afterload. However, its primary mechanism of action is not targeted at afterload reduction but rather at reducing volume overload.

D. Epinephrine is a potent sympathomimetic agent that acts on alpha and beta-adrenergic receptors. While it can increase systemic vascular resistance (afterload) at higher doses due to its alpha-adrenergic effects, it is not commonly used for afterload reduction in critical care settings. Epinephrine is primarily used as a vasopressor to increase blood pressure and cardiac output in patients with shock or cardiac arrest.

A. Position the head of the client's bed in the flat position. B. Provide humidity by maintaining moisture within the ventilator tubing. C. Turn the client every 4 hr. D. Brush the client's teeth with a suction toothbrush every 12 hr.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

D. Oral hygiene is crucial in reducing the risk of VAP as it helps to reduce the bacterial load in the oral cavity, which can be aspirated into the lower respiratory tract. Using a suction toothbrush to mechanically remove dental plaque and bacteria from the teeth and oral mucosa can help to prevent VAP.

A. Elevating the head of the bed to between 30 and 45 degrees (semi-recumbent position) is recommended to prevent aspiration of oral or gastric contents, which can contribute to the development of VAP. This position helps to promote drainage of secretions and reduces the risk of reflux.

B. While maintaining appropriate humidity levels in the ventilator tubing helps to prevent drying of the respiratory mucosa and promote secretion clearance, it does not directly reduce the risk of VAP. Other interventions are more directly related to VAP prevention.

C. Regular turning and repositioning of the client help to prevent pooling of secretions, improve ventilation-perfusion matching, and reduce the risk of pressure ulcers. Turning the client every 2 hours is often recommended to optimize lung expansion and secretion clearance, thereby reducing the risk of VAP.

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Which assessment finding by the nurse caring for a patient receiving mechanical ventilation indicates the need for suctioning?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Which assessment finding by the nurse caring for a patient receiving mechanical ventilation indicates the need for suctioning?

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