A patient was admitted to the critical care unit several weeks ago with an acute myocardial infarction and subsequently underwent coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Since a cardiac arrest 5 days ago, the patient has been unresponsive
An electroencephalogram shows no meaningful brain activity. The decision is made to remove the patient from the ventilator. Which of the following statements is most accurate? a. The cardiac monitor should be left on so everyone will know when the patient has died.
b. Opioids, sedatives, and neuromuscular blocking agents should be discontinued just before removing the ventilator.
c. The family and health care team should decide the best method for removing the ventilator: terminal wean versus immediate extubation.
d. If terminal weaning is selected, the family should be sent to the waiting room until the ventilator has actually been removed.
C
The choice of terminal wean as opposed to extubation is based on considerations of access for suctioning, appearance of the patient for the family, how long the patient will survive off the ventilator, and whether the patient has the ability to communicate with loved ones at the bedside.
You might also like to view...
When involved in policy formulation, the community health nurse must keep in mind that which of the following should be the strongest influence?
A) Social conditions B) Political conditions C) Public need D) Health planning
The amount of water that is eliminated with the urine is regulated by a complex mechanism within the nephron and influenced by a hormone from the posterior pituitary gland called
a. pitocin. b. rennin hormone. c. antidiuretic hormone. d. ACTH.
The risk of low birth rate on prematurity is greater
a. For younger teens b. For the first birth to a teen c. With excessive weight gain in the mother d. With low fat intake
In view of the threat made on J.O.'s life and his vulnerable situation, what precautions should
the nursing unit take to protect him? What will be an ideal response?