A nurse is caring for a client on mechanical ventilation. When double-checking the ventilator settings with the respiratory therapist, what should the nurse ensure as a priority?

a. The client is able to initiate spontaneous breaths.
b. The inspired oxygen has adequate humidification.
c. The upper peak airway pressure limit alarm is off.
d. The upper peak airway pressure limit alarm is on.


ANS: D
The upper peak airway pressure limit alarm will sound when the airway pressure reaches a preset maximum. This is critical to prevent damage to the lungs. Alarms should never be turned off. Initiating spontaneous breathing is important for some modes of ventilation but not others. Adequate humidification is important but does not take priority over preventing injury.

Nursing

You might also like to view...

Women generally do not eat foods high in calcium, which means that women of all ages generally consume less than the recommended amount of calcium. What supplement may be helpful in reducing bone loss?

A) Vitamin D B) Vitamin C C) Vitamin B12 D) Vitamin A

Nursing

The nurse is caring for a patient being treated with fludrocortisone (Florinef) for primary adrenal insufficiency

Upon review of the prescriber's order, the nurse realizes that the dosage is too high; the nurse would anticipate which of the following clinical manifestations? a. Sodium level of 141 and 3+ edema b. Potassium level of 5.5 c. Blood pressure of 101/47 d. Pallor and poor turgor

Nursing

The health care provider has prescribed carbamazepine (Tegretol) 20 mg/kg/day divided bid for a child with cerebral palsy having seizures. The child weighs 44 lb. The nurse is preparing to administer the 0900 dose

Calculate the dose the nurse should administer in milligrams. Record your answer below in a whole number. _________

Nursing

Which of the following is true of a 38-weeks’-gestation newborn when testing for head lag?

1. The nurse should see total head lag. 2. The newborn holds the head in front of the body lines. 3. The newborn can support his head momentarily. 4. The newborn lifts his head momentarily while both legs lift off the tabletop momentarily.

Nursing