While a nurse is caring for a client who is receiving mechanical ventilation via an endotracheal tube, the high-pressure alarm on the ventilator sounds. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Request insertion of a tracheostomy tube.
Suction the client's airway.
Tighten the tubing connections.
Look for a leak in the tube's cuff.
The Correct Answer is B
Answer: B
Rationale:
A) Request insertion of a tracheostomy tube: The high-pressure alarm on a ventilator typically indicates increased resistance to airflow within the airway, which may be due to secretions, bronchospasm, or another obstruction. Requesting insertion of a tracheostomy tube is not the first action the nurse should take in response to a high-pressure alarm. Instead, the nurse should assess and manage potential causes of increased airway resistance before considering a change in airway management.
B) Suction the client's airway: Suctioning the client's airway is the priority action in response to a high-pressure alarm on the ventilator. Increased airway pressure may be due to secretions or a mucus plug, leading to airway obstruction. Suctioning helps clear the airway and restore effective ventilation.
C) Tighten the tubing connections: While loose tubing connections can contribute to air leaks and decreased ventilation efficiency, they are not the primary cause of a high-pressure alarm. Tightening tubing connections may be necessary but is not the initial action in response to a high-pressure alarm.
D) Look for a leak in the tube's cuff: Checking for a leak in the endotracheal tube cuff is essential to ensure an adequate seal and prevent aspiration. However, it is not the first action the nurse should take in response to a high-pressure alarm. The priority is to address potential airway obstruction by suctioning the client's airway to remove secretions or other obstructions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Obtain urinary samples by disconnecting the tubing connections:
This action increases the risk of contamination and introduces bacteria into the urinary system, potentially leading to UTIs. Urine samples should be obtained using a sterile technique to minimize the risk of infection.
B. Secure the catheter to the client's thigh:
Securing the catheter to the client's thigh can cause tension and traction on the catheter, increasing the risk of urethral trauma and introducing bacteria into the urinary tract. Catheters should be secured without tension to prevent damage to the urethra and reduce the risk of UTIs.
C. Keep the urinary bag at bladder level when ambulating:
Keeping the urinary bag at bladder level when ambulating prevents urine from flowing back into the bladder, reducing the risk of UTIs. Gravity drainage helps maintain the flow of urine and prevents stasis, which can contribute to bacterial growth and UTIs.
D. Loop the tubing so that it is lower than the collection bag:
Looping the tubing so that it is lower than the collection bag creates a dependent loop where urine can accumulate, increasing the risk of bacterial colonization and UTIs. The tubing should be kept straight and free of kinks to ensure continuous drainage and prevent urine from pooling in the tubing.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Holding a vibrating tuning fork 1 to 2 cm from the child's ears is not a part of the Weber's test procedure. The Weber's test involves assessing lateralization of sound in cases of unilateral hearing loss. Placing the tuning fork close to the ears may interfere with the accuracy of the test.
B. Measuring the amount of time the child can hear the sound is not relevant to the Weber's test. This action does not assess lateralization of sound but rather evaluates the duration of hearing.
C. Obtaining a tympanogram reading is not necessary before initiating the Weber's test. Tympanometry is a separate test used to assess the function of the middle ear, particularly the movement of the eardrum and the conduction bones.
D. Placing a vibrating tuning fork on the top of the child's head is the correct action for performing the Weber's test. During this test, the nurse activates a tuning fork and places it on the midline of the child's head or forehead. The child is asked if they hear the sound equally in both ears or if it is louder in one ear than the other. This helps determine if there is asymmetrical hearing loss.
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