Question 1 of 6
Report content error
Which physiologic manifestation occurs in a patient experiencing respiratory failure? Select all that apply. One, some, or all responses may be correct.
-
- Excessive oxygenExcessive oxygen and insufficient carbon dioxide are not seen in a patient with respiratory failure.
- Correct
- Insufficient oxygenRespiratory failure is the result of insufficient oxygen or excessive carbon dioxide.
- Correct
- Excessive carbon dioxideRespiratory failure is the result of insufficient oxygen or excessive carbon dioxide.
-
- Insufficient carbon dioxideExcessive oxygen and insufficient carbon dioxide are not seen in a patient with respiratory failure.
Question 2 of 6
Report content error
The nurse is caring for a patient who suddenly reports dyspnea. Upon assessment, the patient’s oxygen saturation is noted to be 89%. Which is the priority action by the nurse?
-
- Notify the health care provider.The health care provider should be notified about the change in the patient’s condition, but this is not the priority action at this time.
-
- Prepare to perform a D-dimer test.Though a D-dimer test is likely to be ordered, the nurse should intervene to improve the patient’s oxygen saturation before performing any diagnostic tests.
-
- Administer an anticoagulant as ordered.Anticoagulants are likely to be ordered for this patient because they are showing signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism, but this is not the priority action at this time.
- Correct
- Place the patient in high-Fowler position.The nurse should place the patient in high-Fowler position to improve the patient’s oxygen saturation.
Question 3 of 6
Report content error
The nurse is caring for four patients waiting for a lung transplant. Which patient is most likely to receive one?
-
- Patient being ruled out for tuberculosisPatients with active TB are not candidates for lung transplants, so this patient would not be considered for a transplant until the TB has been ruled out.
- Correct
- Patient who has been sober for 8 monthsPatients with substance addiction in the last six months are not candidates for lung transplantation. Because this patient has been sober for longer than 6 months, the patient would be considered for a transplant.
-
- Patient with liver cirrhosis from alcohol abuseLiver impairment is a contraindication for receiving a lung transplant.
-
- Patient with newly diagnosed stage 4 bladder cancerA history of malignancy in the last 2 years is a contraindication for receiving a lung transplant.
Question 4 of 6
Report content error
The nurse is caring for a patient involved in a motor vehicle accident and now has a left pneumothorax. Which vital sign would the nurse observe for this patient?
-
- Blood pressure 158/87Hypotension is expected for a patient experiencing a pneumothorax.
-
- Oxygen saturation 97%The nurse would expect a low oxygen saturation for a patient with a pneumothorax.
- Correct
- Heart rate 118 beats per minuteA patient with a pneumothorax will often exhibit tachycardia as a clinical manifestation.
-
- Respiratory rate 10 breaths per minuteThe nurse would expect to see an increased respiratory rate for a patient with a pneumothorax.
Question 5 of 6
Report content error
The nurse is caring for a patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Which intervention would the nurse anticipate implementing for this patient? Select all that apply. One, some, or all responses may be correct.
- Correct
- Suction airway as needed.Patients with ARDS should be suctioned as needed to reduce and improve secretions that may hinder effective breathing.
- Correct
- Initiate enteral nutritional support.Nutritional support is essential for the prevention of complications of ARDS, and the enteral route is preferred.
-
- Place patient in semi-Fowler position.Patients with ARDS should be placed in prone or high-Fowler positions to facilitate effective breathing.
-
- Administer high tidal volumes on the ventilator.The nurse would expect to administer low tidal volumes on the ventilator to prevent additional pressure-related lung injury.
- Correct
- Closely monitor and correct fluid and electrolyte balance.Patients with ARDS are prone to fluid and electrolyte imbalances so it is important for the nurse to closely monitor these parameters.
Question 6 of 6
Report content error
For patients with ARDS, which symptom causes an increase in hypoxemia and respiratory alkalosis?
-
- Fluid accumulationFluid accumulation is one cause for the overall worsening of symptoms as ARDS progresses.
- Correct
- TachypneaTachypnea is a symptom of ARDS that results in increased hypoxemia and respiratory alkalosis.
-
- Decreased lung complianceDecreased lung compliance is one cause for the overall worsening of symptoms as ARDS progresses.
-
- TachycardiaTachycardia refers to a fast heart rate, which is a symptom of ARDS, but it is not responsible for increased hypoxemia and respiratory alkalosis.
