The acute medical nurse is preparing to wean a patient from the ventilator. Which assessment parameter is most important for the nurse to assess?
A) Fluid intake for the last 24 hours
B) Baseline arterial blood gas (ABG) levels
C) Prior outcomes of weaning
D) Electrocardiogram (ECG) results
Ans: B
Feedback:
Before weaning a patient from mechanical ventilation, it is most important to have baseline ABG levels. During the weaning process, ABG levels will be checked to assess how the patient is tolerating the procedure. Other assessment parameters are relevant, but less critical. Measuring fluid volume intake and output is always important when a patient is being mechanically ventilated. Prior attempts at weaning and ECG results are documented on the patient's record, and the nurse can refer to them before the weaning process begins.
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