Respiratory ARDS nclex – Flashcards
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1. It will be most important for the nurse to check pulse oximetry for which of these patients? a. A patient with emphysema and a respiratory rate of 16 b. A patient with massive obesity who is refusing to get out of bed c. A patient with pneumonia who has just been admitted to the unit d. A patient who has just received morphine sulfate for postoperative pain
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C Rationale: Hypoxemia and hypoxemic respiratory failure are caused by disorders that interfere with the transfer of oxygen into the blood, such as pneumonia. The other listed disorders are more likely to cause problems with hypercapnia because of ventilatory failure. Cognitive Level: Application Text Reference: pp. 1799-1800 Nursing Process: Assessment NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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2. The nurse will monitor for clinical manifestations of hypercapnia when a patient in the emergency department has a. chest trauma and multiple rib fractures. b. carbon monoxide poisoning after a house fire. c. left-sided ventricular failure and acute pulmonary edema. d. tachypnea and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
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A Rationale: Hypercapnia is caused by poor ventilatory effort, which occurs in chest trauma when rib fractures (or flail chest) decrease lung ventilation. Carbon monoxide poisoning, acute pulmonary edema, and ARDS are more commonly associated with hypoxemia. Cognitive Level: Application Text Reference: p. 1800 Nursing Process: Assessment NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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3. When a patient is diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, the nurse will teach the patient about the risk for poor oxygenation because of a. too-rapid movement of blood flow through the pulmonary blood vessels. b. incomplete filling of the alveoli with air because of reduced respiratory ability. c. decreased transfer of oxygen into the blood because of thickening of the alveoli. d. mismatch between lung ventilation and blood flow through the blood vessels of the lung.
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C Rationale: Pulmonary fibrosis causes the alveolar-capillary interface to become thicker, which increases the amount of time it takes for gas to diffuse across the membrane. Too-rapid pulmonary blood flow is another cause of shunt but does not describe the pathology of pulmonary fibrosis. Decrease in alveolar ventilation will cause hypercapnia. Ventilation and perfusion are matched in pulmonary fibrosis; the problem is with diffusion. Cognitive Level: Application Text Reference: p. 1802 Nursing Process: Implementation NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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4. A patient is diagnosed with a large pulmonary embolism. When explaining to the patient what has happened to cause respiratory failure, which information will the nurse include? a. "Oxygen transfer into your blood is slow because of thick membranes between the small air sacs and the lung circulation." b. "Thick secretions in your small airways are blocking air from moving into the small air sacs in your lungs." c. "Large areas of your lungs are getting good blood flow but are not receiving enough air to fill the small air sacs." d. "Blood flow though some areas of your lungs is decreased even though you are taking adequate breaths."
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D Rationale: A pulmonary embolus limits blood flow but does not affect ventilation, leading to a ventilation-perfusion mismatch. The response beginning, "Oxygen transfer into your blood is slow because of thick membranes" describes a diffusion problem. The remaining two responses describe ventilation-perfusion mismatch with adequate blood flow but poor ventilation. Cognitive Level: Application Text Reference: p. 1802 Nursing Process: Implementation NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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5. A patient is brought to the emergency department unconscious following a barbiturate overdose. Which potential complication will the nurse include when developing the plan of care? a. Hypercapnic respiratory failure related to decreased ventilatory effort b. Hypoxemic respiratory failure related to diffusion limitations c. Hypoxemic respiratory failure related to shunting of blood d. Hypercapnic respiratory failure related to increased airway resistance
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A Rationale: The patient with an opioid overdose develops hypercapnic respiratory failure as a result of the decrease in respiratory rate and depth. Diffusion limitations, blood shunting, and increased airway resistance are not the primary pathophysiology causing the respiratory failure. Cognitive Level: Application Text Reference: p. 1800 Nursing Process: Diagnosis NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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6. When assessing a patient with chronic lung disease, the nurse finds a sudden onset of agitation and confusion. Which action should the nurse take first? a. Monitor the patient every 10 to 15 minutes. b. Notify the patient's health care provider immediately. c. Attempt to calm and reassure the patient. d. Assess vital signs and pulse oximetry.
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D Rationale: The nurse needs to collect additional clinical data to share with the health care provider and to start interventions quickly if appropriate (e.g., increased oxygen flow if hypoxic). The change in the patient's neurologic status may indicate deterioration in respiratory function, and the health care provider should be notified immediately but only after some additional information is obtained. Monitoring the patient and attempting to calm the patient are appropriate actions, but they will not prevent further deterioration of the patient's clinical status and may delay care. Cognitive Level: Application Text Reference: pp. 1804-1805 Nursing Process: Assessment NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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7. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) arrives in the emergency department complaining of acute respiratory distress. When monitoring the patient, which assessment by the nurse will be of most concern? a. The patient is sitting in the tripod position. b. The patient has bibasilar lung crackles. c. The patient's pulse oximetry indicates an O2 saturation of 91%. d. The patient's respiratory rate has decreased from 30 to 10/min.
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D Rationale: A decrease in respiratory rate in a patient with respiratory distress suggests the onset of fatigue and a high risk for respiratory arrest; therefore, the nurse will need to take immediate action. Patients who are experiencing respiratory distress frequently sit in the tripod position because it decreases the work of breathing. Crackles in the lung bases may be the baseline for a patient with COPD. An oxygen saturation of 91% is common in patients with COPD and will provide adequate gas exchange and tissue oxygenation. Cognitive Level: Application Text Reference: p. 1804 Nursing Process: Assessment NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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8. To evaluate both oxygenation and ventilation in a patient with acute respiratory failure, the nurse uses the findings revealed with a. arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis. b. hemodynamic monitoring. c. chest x-rays. d. pulse oximetry.
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A Rationale: ABG analysis is useful because it provides information about both oxygenation and ventilation and assists with determining possible etiologies and appropriate treatment. The other tests may also provide useful information about patient status but will not indicate whether the patient has hypoxemia, hypercapnia, or both. Cognitive Level: Comprehension Text Reference: p. 1805 Nursing Process: Assessment NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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9. A finding indicating to the nurse that a 22-year-old patient with respiratory distress is in acute respiratory failure includes a a. shallow breathing pattern. b. partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) of 45 mm Hg. c. partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial gas (PaCO2) of 34 mm Hg. d. respiratory rate of 32/min.
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B Rationale: The PaO2 indicates severe hypoxemia and that the nurse should take immediate action to correct this problem. Shallow breathing, rapid respiratory rate, and low PaCO2 can be caused by other factors, such as anxiety or pain. Cognitive Level: Application Text Reference: p. 1806 Nursing Process: Assessment NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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10. While caring for a patient who has been admitted with a pulmonary embolism, the nurse notes a change in the patient's arterial oxyhemoglobin saturation (SpO2) from 94% to 88%. The nurse will a. assist the patient to cough and deep-breathe. b. help the patient to sit in a more upright position. c. suction the patient's oropharynx. d. increase the oxygen flow rate.
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D Rationale: Increasing oxygen flow rate will usually improve oxygen saturation in patients with ventilation-perfusion mismatch, as occurs with pulmonary embolism. Because the problem is with perfusion, actions that improve ventilation, such as deep-breathing and coughing, sitting upright, and suctioning, are not likely to improve oxygenation. Cognitive Level: Application Text Reference: pp. 1802, 1807 Nursing Process: Implementation NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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11. A patient with hypercapnic respiratory failure has a respiratory rate of 8 and an SpO2 of 89%. The patient is increasingly lethargic. Which collaborative intervention will the nurse anticipate? a. Administration of 100% oxygen by non-rebreather mask b. Endotracheal intubation and positive pressure ventilation c. Insertion of a mini-tracheostomy with frequent suctioning d. Initiation of bilevel positive pressure ventilation (BiPAP)
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B Rationale: The patient's lethargy, low respiratory rate, and SpO2 indicate the need for mechanical ventilation with ventilator-controlled respiratory rate. Administration of high flow oxygen will not be helpful because the patient's respiratory rate is so low. Insertion of a mini-tracheostomy will facilitate removal of secretions, but it will not improve the patient's respiratory rate or oxygenation. BiPAP requires that the patient initiate an adequate respiratory rate to allow adequate gas exchange. Cognitive Level: Application Text Reference: pp. 1807-1808, 1810 Nursing Process: Planning NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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12. A patient in acute respiratory failure as a complication of COPD has a PaCO2 of 65 mm Hg, rhonchi audible in the right lung, and marked fatigue with a weak cough. The nurse will plan to a. allow the patient to rest to help conserve energy. b. arrange for a humidifier to be placed in the patient's room. c. position the patient on the right side with the head of the bed elevated. d. assist the patient with augmented coughing to remove respiratory secretions.
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D Rationale: The patient's assessment indicates that assisted coughing is needed to help remove secretions, which will improve PaCO2 and will also help to correct fatigue. If the patient is allowed to rest, the PaCO2 will increase. Humidification may help loosen secretions, but the weak cough effort will prevent the secretions from being cleared. The patient should be positioned with the good lung down to improve gas exchange. Cognitive Level: Application Text Reference: p. 1809 Nursing Process: Planning NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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13. When the nurse is caring for an obese patient with left lower-lobe pneumonia, gas exchange will be best when the patient is positioned a. on the left side. b. on the right side. c. in the high-Fowler's position. d. in the tripod position.
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B Rationale: The patient should be positioned with the "good" lung in the dependent position to improve the match between ventilation and perfusion. The obese patient's abdomen will limit respiratory excursion when sitting in the high-Fowler's or tripod positions. Cognitive Level: Comprehension Text Reference: pp. 1809-1810 Nursing Process: Implementation NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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14. When admitting a patient in possible respiratory failure with a high PaCO2, which assessment information will be of most concern to the nurse? a. The patient is somnolent. b. The patient's SpO2 is 90%. c. The patient complains of weakness. d. The patient's blood pressure is 162/94.
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A Rationale: Increasing somnolence will decrease the patient's respiratory rate and further increase the PaCO2 and respiratory failure. Rapid action is needed to prevent respiratory arrest. An SpO2 of 90%, weakness, and elevated blood pressure all require ongoing monitoring but are not indicators of possible impending respiratory arrest. Cognitive Level: Application Text Reference: p. 1804 Nursing Process: Assessment NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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15. The nurse is caring for a patient who was hospitalized 2 days earlier with aspiration pneumonia. Which assessment information is most important to communicate to the health care provider? a. The patient has a cough that is productive of blood-tinged sputum. b. The patient has scattered crackles throughout the posterior lung bases. c. The patient's temperature is 101.5° F after 2 days of IV antibiotic therapy. d. The patient's SpO2 has dropped to 90%, although the O2 flow rate has been increased.
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D Rationale: The patient's dropping SpO2 despite having an increase in FIO2 indicates the possibility of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The patient's blood-tinged sputum and scattered crackles are not unusual in a patient with pneumonia, although they do require continued monitoring. The continued temperature elevation indicates a possible need to change antibiotics, but this is not as urgent a concern as the progression toward hypoxemia despite an increase in O2 flow rate. Cognitive Level: Application Text Reference: p. 1815 Nursing Process: Assessment NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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16. When caring for a patient who developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) as a result of a urinary tract infection (UTI), the nurse is asked by the patient's family how a urinary tract infection could cause lung damage. Which response by the nurse is appropriate? a. "The infection spread through the circulation from the urinary tract to the lungs." b. "The urinary tract infection produced toxins that damaged the lungs." c. "The infection caused generalized inflammation that damaged the lungs." d. "The fever associated with the infection led to scar tissue formation in the lungs."
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C Rationale: The pathophysiologic changes that occur in ARDS are thought to be caused by inflammatory and immune reactions that lead to changes at the alveolar-capillary membrane. ARDS is not directly caused by infection, toxins, or fever. Cognitive Level: Application Text Reference: p. 1813 Nursing Process: Implementation NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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17. All the following medications are ordered for a mechanically ventilated patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and acute renal failure. Which medication should the nurse discuss with the health care provider before administration? a. IV ranitidine (Zantac) 50 mg IV b. sucralfate (Carafate) 1 g per nasogastric tube c. IV gentamicin (Garamycin) 60 mg d. IV methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol) 40 mg
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C Rationale: Gentamicin, which is one of the aminoglycoside antibiotics, is potentially nephrotoxic, and the nurse should clarify the drug and dosage with the health care provider before administration. The other medications are appropriate for the patient with ARDS. Cognitive Level: Application Text Reference: p. 1816 Nursing Process: Implementation NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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18. After prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass, a patient develops increasing shortness of breath and hypoxemia. To determine whether the patient has acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or pulmonary edema caused by left ventricular failure, the nurse will anticipate assisting with a. positioning the patient for a chest radiograph. b. drawing blood for arterial blood gases. c. obtaining a ventilation-perfusion scan. d. inserting a pulmonary artery catheter.
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D Rationale: Pulmonary artery wedge pressure will remain at normal levels in the patient with ARDS because the fluid in the alveoli is caused by increased permeability of the alveolar-capillary membrane rather than by the backup of fluid from the lungs (as occurs in cardiogenic pulmonary edema). The other tests will not help in differentiating cardiogenic from noncardiogenic pulmonary edema. Cognitive Level: Application Text Reference: p. 1815 Nursing Process: Implementation NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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19. Which information obtained by the nurse when assessing a patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) who is being treated with mechanical ventilation and high levels of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) indicates a complication of ventilator therapy is occurring? a. The patient has subcutaneous emphysema. b. The patient has a sinus bradycardia, rate 52. c. The patient's PaO2 is 50 mm Hg and the SaO2 is 88%. d. The patient has bronchial breath sounds in both the lung fields.
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A Rationale: Complications of positive-pressure ventilation (PPV) and PEEP include subcutaneous emphysema. Bradycardia, hypoxemia, and bronchial breath sounds are all concerns, but they are not caused by PPV and PEEP. Cognitive Level: Application Text Reference: p. 1816 Nursing Process: Assessment NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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20. Which statement by the nurse when explaining the purpose of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) to the family members of a patient with ARDS is correct? a. "PEEP will prevent fibrosis of the lung from occurring." b. "PEEP will push more air into the lungs during inhalation." c. "PEEP allows the ventilator to deliver 100% oxygen to the lungs." d. "PEEP prevents the lung air sacs from collapsing during exhalation."
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D Rationale: By preventing alveolar collapse during expiration, PEEP improves gas exchange and oxygenation. PEEP will not prevent the fibrotic changes that occur with ARDS, push more air into the lungs, or change the fraction of inspired oxygen (FIO2) delivered to the patient. Cognitive Level: Comprehension Text Reference: p. 1817 Nursing Process: Planning NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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21. When prone positioning is used in the care of a patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which information obtained by the nurse indicates that the positioning is effective? a. The skin on the patient's back is intact and without redness. b. Sputum and blood cultures show no growth after 24 hours. c. The patient's PaO2 is 90 mm Hg, and the SaO2 is 92%. d. Endotracheal suctioning results in minimal mucous return.
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C Rationale: The purpose of prone positioning is to improve the patient's oxygenation as indicated by the PaO2 and SaO2. The other information will be collected but does not indicate whether prone positioning has been effective. Cognitive Level: Application Text Reference: pp. 1817-1818 Nursing Process: Evaluation NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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22. A patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has progressed to the fibrotic phase. The patient's family members are anxious about the patient's condition and are continuously present at the hospital. In addressing the family's concerns, it is important for the nurse to a. support the family and help them understand the realistic expectation that the patient's chance for survival is poor. b. inform the family that home health nurses will be able to help them maintain the mechanical ventilation at home after patient discharge. c. refer the family to social support services and case management to plan for transfer of the patient to a long-term care facility. d. provide hope and encouragement to the family because the patient's disease process has started to resolve.
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A Rationale: The chance for survival is poor when the patient progresses to the fibrotic stage because permanent damage to the alveoli has occurred. Because of continued severe hypoxemia, the patient is not a candidate for home health or long-term care. The fibrotic stage indicates a poor patient prognosis, not the resolution of the ARDS process. Cognitive Level: Application Text Reference: p. 1814 Nursing Process: Implementation NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity
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23. The nurse obtains the vital signs for a patient admitted 2 days ago with gram-negative sepsis: temperature 101.2° F, blood pressure 90/56 mm Hg, pulse 92, respirations 34. Which action should the nurse take next? a. Notify the health care provider of the patient's vital signs. b. Obtain oxygen saturation using pulse oximetry. c. Document the vital signs and continue to monitor. d. Administer PRN acetaminophen (Tylenol) 650 mg.
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B Rationale: The patient's increased respiratory rate in combination with the admission diagnosis of gram-negative sepsis indicates that acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) may be developing; the nurse should check for hypoxemia, a hallmark of ARDS. The health care provider should be notified after further assessment of the patient. Documentation and continued monitoring of the vital signs are needed but do not constitute an adequate response to the patient situation. Tylenol administration is appropriate but not the highest priority for this patient. Cognitive Level: Application Text Reference: pp. 1813-1814 Nursing Process: Implementation NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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24. Which of these nursing actions included in the care of a mechanically ventilated patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is most appropriate for the RN to delegate to an experienced LPN/LVN working in the intensive care unit? a. Placing the patient in the prone position b. Assessment of patient breath sounds c. Administration of enteral tube feedings d. Obtaining the pulmonary artery pressures
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C Rationale: Administration of tube feedings is included in LPN/LVN education and scope of practice and can be safely delegated to an LPN/LVN who is experienced in caring for critically ill patients. Placing a patient who is on a ventilator in the prone position requires multiple staff and should be supervised by an RN. Assessment of breath sounds and obtaining pulmonary artery pressures require advanced assessment skills and should be done by the RN caring for a critically ill patient. Cognitive Level: Application Text Reference: pp. 1816-1818 Nursing Process: Implementation NCLEX: Safe and Effective Care Environment
