When the patient's ventilator settings have been modified to include PEEP, it is most important for the nurse to
1. notify the physician of abrupt increases in oxygenation.
2. monitor vital signs frequently.
3. monitor breath sounds at least every 15 minutes.
4. suction the patient before and after the change.
2
Rationale: It is most important for the nurse to monitor vital signs frequently because the addition of PEEP increases intrathoracic pressure, which decreases venous return and, therefore, compromises cardiac output. The nurse would not notify the physician of an abrupt increase in oxygenation. This would be a desirable outcome. Although the nurse would certainly auscultate breath sounds on a routine basis, it would not typically be expected every 15 minutes. Similarly, the nurse is expected to suction the patient as needed. However, this does not imply that it should be done before and after the change.
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