A patient is admitted to the CCU after experiencing blunt trauma to the chest. Among other injuries, the patient has a flail chest on the left and several extremity fractures
About 12 hours after admission, the patient is tachypneic and complaining of shortness of breath. Breath sounds are present bilaterally with scattered fine crackles. Chest radiograph shows an ill-defined, patchy, ground-glass area of density on the left. If the patient has a pulmonary contusion, what is the nursing priority?
A) Monitor pulse oximetry and arterial blood gases closely.
B) Place an oral endotracheal tube immediately.
C) Increase the amounts of intravenous crystalloid administration.
D) Obtain sputum culture and sensitivity and Gram stain.
A
You might also like to view...
A woman is hospitalized with hyperemesis gravidarum. Which other member of the health-care team should the nurse ensure is involved in this patient's care as a priority?
A. Chaplain B. Diabetic educator C. Mental health nurse practitioner D. Registered dietician
Which of the following would be most important to include in a teaching plan for a client who has had a vasectomy?
A) Using a reliable method of contraception for several weeks B) Applying warm compresses to the scrotum for the first 24 hours C) Taking a prescribed opioid analgesic for pain relief D) Resuming sexual activity in 24 to 48 hours
If the examiner had difficulty visualizing the cervix with initial insertion of the speculum, the examiner should close the blades and perform which action?
1) Withdraw the speculum 2 to 3 cm and reinsert at a different angle. 2) Push the speculum farther into the vagina 4 to 6 cm and rotate the blades. 3) Remove the speculum and obtain a larger speculum. 4) Remove the speculum and document that the exam could not be completed.
A client is being evaluated for the diagnosis of gastroparesis. Which of the following will the nurse most likely assess in this client? (Select all that apply.)
1. Constipation 2. Gastroesophageal reflux 3. Feelings of fullness 4. Vomiting 5. Nausea 6. Anorexia