A child in the emergency department has just undergone emergent intubation. When listening to lungs, the nurse notes absent sounds on the left side. What action by the nurse is the most appropriate?
A.
Ask a more experienced provider to assess the child.
B.
Facilitate completion of a portable chest x-ray.
C.
Hyperoxygenate the patient and suction the airway.
D.
Reposition the endotracheal tube and reassess.
ANS: D
Anatomical differences between the right and left bronchus can cause intubation of only the right main stem bronchus, leading to decreased oxygenation. If the nurse does not hear lung sounds on the left, this possibility should be considered, and the tube must be repositioned. The other actions will delay the child's receiving adequate oxygenation.
You might also like to view...
Which of the following best explains why tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) are used cautiously with the elderly population?
A. Central nervous system effects B. Cardiovascular system effects C. Gastrointestinal system effects D. Serotonin syndrome effects
Cultural assessments allow the health care provider to understand the unique beliefs clients may have regarding mental illness and how they cope. Key areas to assess include: (Select all that apply.)
a. Communication b. Space and territory c. Biological orientation d. Defense mechanisms e. Social orientation
The nurse is preparing to administer an injection of monoclonal antibodies. Which additional drug will the nurse administer to minimize adverse reactions to the monoclonal antibodies?
a. A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug b. A benzodiazepine c. An opioid pain reliever d. A corticosteroid
When is aspirin (ASA) used in angina patients?
1. All angina patients should be taking ASA unless it is contraindicated for allergy or other medical reasons. 2. ASA should only be used in men. 3. ASA has no role in angina, but is useful in MI prevention. 4. The impact of ASA is best at the time of an angina attack.