You are a veteran Registered Nurse precepting newly graduated nurses in the hospital.
When your preceptee asks what is the benefit of the non-rebreather mask versus a simple mask, what is your BEST reply?
The non-rebreather mask provides the highest FiO2 of oxygen, around 90%.
A non-rebreather provides higher levels of CO2 during respirations.
A simple mask is simpler to operate.
Non-rebreather masks are better for patients with nausea or claustrophobia.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
The non-rebreather mask delivers the highest possible fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) among conventional oxygen delivery devices, often reaching 85-90%. This high concentration is achieved by a one-way valve system that prevents exhaled air from mixing with the inspired oxygen and a reservoir bag that stores a high concentration of oxygen. This mechanism minimizes room air entrainment, maximizing oxygen delivery to the patient's respiratory system.
Choice B rationale
A non-rebreather mask is designed to deliver high concentrations of oxygen and prevent rebreathing of exhaled gases, including carbon dioxide. The one-way valves direct exhaled air out of the mask, ensuring that the patient inhales nearly pure oxygen from the reservoir bag, thereby minimizing CO2 retention, not increasing it. This physiological effect ensures efficient gas exchange.
Choice C rationale
While a simple mask may appear less complex in its physical design, its operation still requires proper fitting and flow rate adjustment for effective oxygen delivery. The perceived simplicity does not outweigh the significant physiological advantage of a non-rebreather mask in delivering higher oxygen concentrations, which is the primary goal of oxygen therapy.
Choice D rationale
Non-rebreather masks, due to their tight seal and large reservoir bag, can exacerbate feelings of claustrophobia in some patients. Similarly, the mask's design might induce or worsen nausea in individuals prone to it, making simpler face masks or nasal cannulas often more tolerable options for these patient populations. Patient comfort and tolerance are crucial considerations in oxygen therapy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The arterial blood gas values indicate a primary respiratory issue. The pH of 7.10 is significantly below the normal range (7.35-7.45), indicating acidosis. The PaCO2 of 70 mmHg is elevated above the normal range (35-45 mmHg), directly causing the acidosis by increasing carbonic acid. The bicarbonate (HCO3) level of 24 mEq/L is within the normal range (22-26 mEq/L), signifying no renal compensation has occurred, thus it is uncompensated. This pattern is characteristic of respiratory acidosis.
Choice B rationale
Partial compensation would be evident if the bicarbonate level was outside its normal range, indicating renal attempts to buffer the acidosis. Since the HCO3 is 24 mEq/L, which is within the normal range, there is no evidence of the kidneys compensating for the respiratory acidosis. Therefore, this option is incorrect as compensation is absent.
Choice C rationale
Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an elevated pH and an elevated bicarbonate level, with potential compensatory changes in PaCO2. The patient's pH is acidotic (7.10) and the bicarbonate is normal (24 mEq/L), which directly contradicts the parameters for metabolic alkalosis. Therefore, this interpretation is not supported by the given ABG values.
Choice D rationale
Metabolic acidosis would present with a low pH and a low bicarbonate level, with potential compensatory changes in PaCO2. The patient's pH is low, but the primary driver is the elevated PaCO2, and the bicarbonate is normal. This set of values does not align with the criteria for metabolic acidosis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Diabetes insipidus is a condition characterized by the inability of the kidneys to conserve water, typically due to a deficiency in antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or kidney unresponsiveness to ADH. Post-neurosurgery, especially involving the pituitary or hypothalamus, ADH secretion can be impaired, leading to excessive urine output (polyuria), often exceeding 200 mL/hr, and dilute urine with a low specific gravity (normal range 1.005-1.030).
Choice B rationale
SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone) is characterized by excessive ADH secretion, leading to water retention, hyponatremia, and concentrated urine. This condition would manifest as decreased urine output, not increased, and would be associated with a higher urine specific gravity (normal range 1.005-1.030) due to water reabsorption.
Choice C rationale
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) involves a rapid decrease in kidney function, leading to the accumulation of waste products in the blood. While AKI can affect urine output, it typically results in oliguria (decreased urine output) or anuria (no urine output), rather than the profound polyuria observed in the patient.
Choice D rationale
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels due to insulin deficiency or resistance. While uncontrolled diabetes mellitus can cause polyuria due to osmotic diuresis from hyperglycemia, it would also present with other classic symptoms like polydipsia and polyphagia, and would be detected by elevated blood glucose levels (normal fasting plasma glucose <100 mg/dL).
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.