Respiratory

3. It is determined that a client has a large pulmonary embolism (PE). Fibrinolytic therapy is initiated. What is the nurse's priority action? a. Monitor the client's oxygenation. b. Teach the client about potential side effects. c. Monitor the IV insertion site. d. Monitor for bleeding.

ANS: A Airway and breathing are the top priority. The nurse would also need to monitor for bleeding when administering fibrinolytic therapy, and would monitor the IV site as well. Teaching the client is also a need, however. Oxygenation is the highest priority. DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher REF: N/A TOP: Client Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment (Management of Care—Establishing Priorities) MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Implementation)

13. The nurse is caring for a client who is intubated with an endotracheal tube and on a mechanical ventilator. The client is able to make sounds. What is the nurse's first action? a. Check cuff inflation on the endotracheal tube. b. Listen carefully to the client. c. Call the health care provider. d. Auscultate the lungs.

ANS: A If the client has the cuff on the endotracheal tube inflated, the cuff should prevent air from going around the cuff and through the vocal cords. If the client can talk with the cuff inflated, the cuff probably has a leak, causing it to become deflated and allowing air to pass through. The risk is that the client will not receive the prescribed tidal volume. DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher REF: N/A TOP: Client Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment (Safety and Infection Control—Safe Use of Equipment) MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Implementation)

17. The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving mechanical ventilation accompanied by positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). What assessment findings require immediate intervention? a. Blood pressure drop from 110/90 mm Hg to 80/50 mm/Hg b. Pulse oximetry value of 96% c. Arterial blood gas (ABG): pH, 7.40; PaO2, 80 mm Hg; PaCO2, 45 mm Hg; HCO3-, 26 mEq/L d. Urinary output of 30 mL/hr

ANS: A Increased intrathoracic pressure can inhibit blood return to the heart and cause decreased cardiac output. This manifests with a drop in blood pressure. The pulse oximetry reading, ABGs, and urinary output are all normal. DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher REF: N/A TOP: Client Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment (Management of Care—Establishing Priorities) MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Analysis)

6. The nurse is caring for a mechanically ventilated patient with a cuffed tracheostomy tube. Which action by the nurse would best determine if the cuff has been properly inflated? a. Use a manometer to ensure cuff pressure is at an appropriate level. b. Check the amount of cuff pressure ordered by the health care provider. c. Suction the patient first with a fenestrated inner cannula to clear secretions. d. Insert the decannulation plug before the nonfenestrated inner cannula is removed.

ANS: A Measurement of cuff pressure using a manometer to ensure that cuff pressure is 20 mm Hg or lower will avoid compression of the tracheal wall and capillaries. Never insert the decannulation plug in a tracheostomy tube until the cuff is deflated and the nonfenestrated inner cannula is removed. Otherwise, the patient's airway is occluded. A health care provider's order is not required to determine safe cuff pressure. A nonfenestrated inner cannula must be used to suction a patient to prevent tracheal damage occurring from the suction catheter passing through the fenestrated openings. DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 509 TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

12. A patient is admitted to the emergency department complaining of sudden onset shortness of breath and is diagnosed with a possible pulmonary embolus. How should the nurse prepare the patient for diagnostic testing to confirm the diagnosis? a. Start an IV so contrast media may be given. b. Ensure that the patient has been NPO for at least 6 hours. c. Inform radiology that radioactive glucose preparation is needed. d. Instruct the patient to undress to the waist and remove any metal objects.

ANS: A Spiral computed tomography (CT) scans are the most commonly used test to diagnose pulmonary emboli, and contrast media may be given IV. A chest x-ray may be ordered but will not be diagnostic for a pulmonary embolus. Preparation for a chest x-ray includes undressing and removing any metal. Bronchoscopy is used to detect changes in the bronchial tree, not to assess for vascular changes, and the patient should be NPO 6 to 12 hours before the procedure. Positron emission tomography (PET) scans are most useful in determining the presence of malignancy, and a radioactive glucose preparation is used. DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 492 TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

38. The nurse in the emergency department receives arterial blood gas results for four recently admitted patients with obstructive pulmonary disease. Which patient will require the most rapid action by the nurse? a. 22-year-old with ABG results: pH 7.28, PaCO2 60 mm Hg, and PaO2 58 mm Hg b. 34-year-old with ABG results: pH 7.48, PaCO2 30 mm Hg, and PaO2 65 mm Hg c. 45-year-old with ABG results: pH 7.34, PaCO2 33 mm Hg, and PaO2 80 mm Hg d. 65-year-old with ABG results: pH 7.31, PaCO2 58 mm Hg, and PaO2 64 mm Hg

ANS: A The pH, PaCO2, and PaO2 indicate that the patient has severe uncompensated respiratory acidosis and hypoxemia. Rapid action will be required to prevent increasing hypoxemia and correct the acidosis. The other patients also should be assessed as quickly as possible but do not require interventions as quickly as the 22-year-old. DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (analysis) REF: 566 OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization; Multiple Patients TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: NCLEX: Safe and Effective Care Environment

3. A client admitted for difficulty breathing becomes worse. Which assessment findings indicate that the client has developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)? (Select all that apply.) a. Oxygen administered at 100%, PaO2 60 b. Increased dyspnea c. Anxiety d. Chest pain e. Pitting pedal edema f. Clubbing of fingertips

ANS: A, B, C A client who is developing ARDS presents with a decrease in oxygen despite an increase in the fraction of inspired oxygen. Increased dyspnea goes along with the increased hypoxemia, as does anxiety. Chest pain is not specific to ARDS; although chest pain can occur with ARDS, it occurs with many other conditions as well. Pitting edema would not be an assessment factor that confirms ARDS. Clubbing occurs in chronic, not acute, respiratory conditions. DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension/Understanding REF: p. 671 TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Physiological Adaptation—Pathophysiology) MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Assessment)

4. The nurse is caring for a client on a ventilator when the high-pressure alarm sounds. What actions are most appropriate? (Select all that apply.) a. Assess the tubing for kinks. b. Assess whether the tubing has become disconnected. c. Determine the need for suctioning. d. Call the health care provider. e. Call the Rapid Response Team. f. Auscultate the client's lungs.

ANS: A, C, F Reasons for a high-pressure alarm include water or a kink impeding airflow or mucus in the airway. The nurse first should assess the client and determine whether he or she needs to be suctioned; then the nurse should auscultate the lungs. The nurse also should assess the tubing for kinks. The high-pressure alarm sounding would not be a reason to call the health care provider or the Rapid Response Team. If the tubing became disconnected, the low-pressure alarm would sound. DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher REF: N/A TOP: Client Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment (Safety and Infection Control—Safe Use of Equipment) MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Assessment)

6. The nurse is caring for a client with a high risk for pulmonary embolism (PE). Which prevention measures does the nurse add to the client's care plan? (Select all that apply.) a. Use antiembolism stockings. b. Massage calf muscles per client request. c. Maintain supine position with the legs flat. d. Turn every 2 hours if client is in bed. e. Refrain from active range-of-motion exercises.

ANS: A, D Both antiembolism stockings (or sequential pressure devices) and a turning schedule can help prevent venous thromboembolism, which can lead to PE. Massaging the calves is discouraged because this can cause a clot to break loose and travel to the lungs. Legs should be elevated when in bed, and the client should perform active range of motion (ROM) if able. If the client is unable to perform active ROM, the nurse should provide passive ROM. DIF: Cognitive Level: Knowledge/Remembering REF: Chart 34-1, p. 663 TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Reduction of Risk Potential—Potential for Alterations in Body Systems) MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Planning)

3. A diabetic patient's arterial blood gas (ABG) results are pH 7.28; PaCO2 34 mm Hg; PaO2 85 mm Hg; HCO3- 18 mEq/L. The nurse would expect which finding? a. Intercostal retractions b. Kussmaul respirations c. Low oxygen saturation (SpO2) d. Decreased venous O2 pressure

ANS: B Kussmaul (deep and rapid) respirations are a compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis. The low pH and low bicarbonate result indicate metabolic acidosis. Intercostal retractions, a low oxygen saturation rate, and a decrease in venous O2 pressure would not be caused by acidosis. DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 479 TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

37. The nurse receives change-of-shift report on the following four patients. Which patient should the nurse assess first? a. A 23-year-old patient with cystic fibrosis who has pulmonary function testing scheduled b. A 46-year-old patient on bed rest who is complaining of sudden onset of shortness of breath c. A 77-year-old patient with tuberculosis (TB) who has four antitubercular medications due in 15 minutes d. A 35-year-old patient who was admitted the previous day with pneumonia and has a temperature of 100.2° F (37.8° C)

ANS: B Patients on bed rest who are immobile are at high risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Sudden onset of shortness of breath in a patient with a DVT suggests a pulmonary embolism and requires immediate assessment and action such as oxygen administration. The other patients should also be assessed as soon as possible, but there is no indication that they may need immediate action to prevent clinical deterioration. DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (analysis) REF: 551-553 OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization; Multiple Patients TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: NCLEX: Safe and Effective Care Environment

15. The pilot balloon on the endotracheal tube of a client being mechanically ventilated is deflated. What is the nurse's priority action? a. Nothing; this is required during ventilation. b. Inflate the cuff using minimal leak technique. c. Call the Rapid Response Team. d. Increase the tidal volume.

ANS: B The pilot balloon indicates whether the endotracheal tube cuff is inflated or deflated. A deflated balloon means that the cuff is also deflated and a seal is no longer present around the tube to prevent air from escaping. Thus, some of the air being moved into the client's airway by the ventilator is escaping through the client's trachea before it reaches the lower airways and alveoli. The nurse should inflate the cuff. Calling the Rapid Response Team is not necessary, and increasing tidal volume will not improve oxygenation if the cuff is leaking. DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher REF: N/A TOP: Client Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment (Safety and Infection Control—Safe Use of Equipment) MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Implementation)

5. The nurse is caring for a client with a pulmonary embolus who also has right-sided heart failure. Which symptom will the nurse need to intervene for immediately? a. Respiratory rate of 28 breaths/min b. Urinary output of 10 mL/hr c. Heart rate of 100 beats/min d. Dry cough

ANS: B Urinary output is very low; this could indicate that the client has decreased cardiac output. The nurse will need to intervene and notify the health care provider. A respiratory rate that is slightly elevated is expected in this condition. Likewise, a heart rate that is a little higher is expected in this situation. A dry cough is also commonly found with pulmonary embolus. DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher REF: N/A TOP: Client Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment (Management of Care—Establishing Priorities) MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Analysis)

3. What is the best way for the nurse to decrease the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in a ventilator-dependent client? (Select all that apply.) a. Provide prophylactic antibiotics. b. Provide frequent oral care. c. Keep the head of the bed elevated. d. Maintain good hand hygiene. e. Perform chest percussion frequently.

ANS: B, C, D Providing frequent oral care, keeping the head of the bed elevated, and maintaining good hand hygiene are currently stated as the best ways to help prevent VAP. Prophylactic antibiotics are not recommended; neither is taking the client off the ventilator. Likewise, frequent chest percussion is not stated as an intervention to decrease VAP. DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher REF: N/A TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Reduction of Risk Potential—Potential for Complications from Diagnostic Tests/Treatments/Procedures) MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Implementation)

2. Which clients are at highest risk for pulmonary embolism (PE)? (Select all that apply) a. Middle-aged client awaiting surgery b. Older adult with a 20-pack-year history of smoking c. Client who has been on bedrest for 3 weeks d. Obese client who has elevated platelets e. Middle-aged client with diabetes mellitus type 1 f. Older adult who has just had abdominal surgery

ANS: B, C, D, F Older adults, especially those with chronic lung problems, are at higher risk for pulmonary embolism. Prolonged bedrest is also a risk factor, as are abdominal surgery and smoking. Because platelets are involved in the clotting process, elevated platelets may contribute to increased clotting. Diabetes and waiting for surgery are not known risk factors. DIF: Cognitive Level: Knowledge/Remembering REF: p. 663 TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Reduction of Risk Potential—Potential for Complications from Surgical Procedures and Health Alterations) MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Assessment)

1. Which symptoms in a client assist the nurse in confirming the diagnosis of pulmonary embolus (PE)? (Select all that apply.) a. Wheezes throughout lung fields b. Hemoptysis c. Sharp chest pain d. Flattened neck veins e. Hypotension f. Pitting edema

ANS: B, C, E Hemoptysis, sharp chest pain, and hypotension all may be caused by pulmonary embolism and the pulmonary hypertension that results. Rather than wheezes, crackles usually occur along with a dry cough. DIF: Cognitive Level: Knowledge/Remembering REF: Chart 34-2, p. 664 TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Physiological Adaptation—Pathophysiology) MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Assessment)

11. The nurse is caring for a client with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) who is receiving mechanical ventilation and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). The alarm sounds, indicating decreased pressure in the system. What is the nurse's best action? a. Change the client's position. b. Suction the client. c. Assess lung sounds. d. Turn off the pressure alarm.

ANS: C One of the biggest risks in the client with ARDS on mechanical ventilation with PEEP is tension pneumothorax. The nurse needs to assess lung sounds hourly. The alarms on a ventilator should never be turned off. If the client needed to be suctioned, the high-pressure alarm would sound. Changing the client's position would not change the pressure needed to administer a breath. DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher REF: N/A TOP: Client Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment (Safety and Infection Control—Safe Use of Equipment) MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Analysis)

25. The nurse auscultates the lungs of a client on mechanical ventilation and hears vesicular breath sounds throughout the right side but decreased sounds on the left side of the chest. What is the nurse's best action? a. Turn the client to the right side. b. Elevate the head of the bed. c. Assess placement of the endotracheal (ET) tube. d. Suction the client.

ANS: C The endotracheal tube is more likely to slip into the right mainstem bronchus, leading to the breath sounds described. The nurse should assess placement of the ET tube by assessing where the markings are, making sure it is taped, and confirming equal breath sounds bilaterally. If it is believed that the tube has slipped into the right mainstem bronchus, the health care provider should order a chest x-ray and reposition the tube. DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher REF: N/A TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Reduction of Risk Potential—Potential for Complications from Diagnostic Tests, Treatments, and Procedures) MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Assessment)

10. The nurse is caring for several clients on the respiratory floor. Which client does the nurse assess most carefully for the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)? a. Older adult with COPD b. Middle-aged client receiving a blood transfusion c. Older adult who has aspirated his tube feeding d. Young adult with a broken leg from a motorcycle accident

ANS: C The older adult who has aspirated a tube feeding is at high risk and should be assessed closely for the possibility of ARDS. A client with COPD and a middle-aged client with no other risk factors are not at as high a risk for ARDS. The client who has a broken leg from an accident is not at high risk. DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher REF: N/A TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Reduction of Risk Potential—Potential for Complications from Surgical Procedures and Health Alterations) MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Analysis)

23. The nurse is caring for a client who is taken off a ventilator and placed on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). What intervention is most appropriate for this client? a. Administering antianxiety medications PRN b. Administering a medication to help the client sleep c. Telling the client to relax and let the ventilator do the work d. Making sure the client is breathing spontaneously

ANS: D A requirement for using CPAP is that the client will be able to breathe spontaneously. Antianxiety and sleep medications should not be administered to the client during weaning. Telling the client to relax may be helpful in some cases but does not take priority over ensuring the client's ability to breathe spontaneously. DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher REF: N/A TOP: Client Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment (Management of Care—Safe Use of Equipment) MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Assessment)

15. The nurse analyzes the results of a patient's arterial blood gases (ABGs). Which finding would require immediate action? a. The bicarbonate level (HCO3-) is 31 mEq/L. b. The arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) is 92%. c. The partial pressure of CO2 in arterial blood (PaCO2) is 31 mm Hg. d. The partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood (PaO2) is 59 mm Hg.

ANS: D All the values are abnormal, but the low PaO2 indicates that the patient is at the point on the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve where a small change in the PaO2 will cause a large drop in the O2 saturation and a decrease in tissue oxygenation. The nurse should intervene immediately to improve the patient's oxygenation. DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: eTable 26-1 OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

4. A client with a large pulmonary embolism is receiving alteplase (Activase). The nurse notes frank red blood in the Foley catheter drainage bag. What is the nurse's first action? a. Irrigate the Foley. b. Administer an antibiotic. c. Clamp the Foley. d. Notify the health care provider.

ANS: D Alteplase is a fibrinolytic agent that dissolves formed clots. The drug has an impact on clots outside the pulmonary embolism, and the client is at great risk for hemorrhage and shock. The nurse should realize the potential for a severe problem and should call the health care provider immediately for orders. The other actions would not be appropriate first actions in this situation. DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher REF: N/A TOP: Client Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment (Management of Care—Establishing Priorities) MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Analysis)

3. The nurse is caring for four clients who had arterial blood gases (ABGs). Which laboratory value warrants immediate intervention by the nurse? a. HCO3- of 25 mEq/L b. SpO2 of 96% c. pH of 7.38 d. PaCO2 of 48 mm Hg

ANS: D Although the nurse should note the results of all laboratory work, only a PaCO2 of 48 mm Hg is likely to culminate in serious symptoms for the client. HCO3-, SpO2, and pH levels as assessed would not be life threatening, nor would they be indicative of serious complications that would override the importance of the PaCO2 level. DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher REF: N/A TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Reduction of Risk Potential—Laboratory Values) MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Assessment)

9. The nurse notes that each time the mechanical ventilator delivers a breath to a client with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), the peak inspiratory pressure alarm sounds. What is the nurse's best intervention? a. Suction the client. b. Perform chest physiotherapy. c. Administer an inhaler. d. Assess the airway.

ANS: D An increase in peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) in the ARDS client is indicative of decreased lung compliance, making it more difficult to ventilate diseased lungs. The nurse first should assess the airway to make sure no sputum is present in the airway and that no kinks are noted in the tubing. The nurse is not able to make changes in the ventilator settings, so an order is needed to increase inspiratory pressure to oxygenate the client. Suctioning or performing chest physical therapy (PT) will not help the client's lung compliance; however, if mucus is impeding the airway, these interventions would be necessary and would be noticed when the airway is assessed. Administering a bronchodilator may help the client; however, an inhaler could not be used by a client on a ventilator. DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher REF: N/A TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Physiological Adaptation—Pathophysiology) MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Analysis)

18. The client receiving mechanical ventilation has become more restless over the course of the shift. Which is the nurse's first action? a. Sedate the client. b. Call the health care provider. c. Assess the client for pain. d. Assess the client's oxygenation.

ANS: D Increasing restlessness in a client being mechanically ventilated may mean that the client is not receiving sufficient oxygen. It can also be a manifestation of pain. When in doubt, determining the adequacy of ventilation has the highest priority. The nurse would not sedate the client until the cause of the restlessness has been addressed. The nurse would call the provider if the cause could not be determined and addressed, or if the client's status deteriorated. DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher REF: N/A TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Reduction of Risk Potential—Potential for Complications from Diagnostic Tests, Treatments, and Procedures) MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Implementation)

12. The nurse is caring for a client who has been intubated and placed on a ventilator for treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Aside from assessing oxygenation, what is the nurse's priority action? a. Assess hemoglobin. b. Administer ferrous sulfate. c. Assess muscle strength. d. Consult with the registered dietitian.

ANS: D The client who is intubated needs nutrition delivered via enteral tube feeding. If nutrition is ignored, the client's respiratory status can deteriorate, because respiratory muscle function can deteriorate. DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher REF: N/A TOP: Client Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment (Management of Care—Establishing Priorities) MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Implementation)

14. Which assessment finding of a client requires the nurse's immediate action? a. Being intubated for 4 days b. Uneven breath sounds c. Wheezing on auscultation d. Having the endotracheal (ET) tube taped to the lower jaw

ANS: D The endotracheal tube can be taped to the upper lip but should never be taped to the lower jaw because the lower jaw moves too much. The other clients need to be assessed by the nurse, but the one with the ET tube taped to the jaw requires immediate action. DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher REF: N/A TOP: Client Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment (Management of Care—Establishing Priorities) MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Evaluation)

8. A client with dyspnea is becoming very anxious. An arterial blood gas (ABG) shows a PaO2 of 93 mm Hg. How does the nurse best intervene? a. Increase the oxygen. b. Administer an antianxiety medication. c. Administer a bronchodilator. d. Assist with relaxation techniques.

ANS: D The nurse should assess the client's oxygenation; however, this client's arterial blood gas documents that the client's hypoxia has resolved. At this time it is not necessary to increase the oxygen or administer a bronchodilator; both of these interventions would be appropriate if the client were hypoxic. The client with respiratory problems should not take an antianxiety medication as a first-line intervention, because this may decrease the respiratory rate and/or alertness. The best intervention at this time is to assist with relaxation techniques. DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher REF: N/A TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Physiological Adaptation—Pathophysiology) MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Analysis)

36. A patient with a possible pulmonary embolism complains of chest pain and difficulty breathing. The nurse finds a heart rate of 142 beats/minute, blood pressure of 100/60 mmHg, and respirations of 42 breaths/minute. Which action should the nurse take first? a. Administer anticoagulant drug therapy. b. Notify the patient's health care provider. c. Prepare patient for a spiral computed tomography (CT). d. Elevate the head of the bed to a semi-Fowler's position.

ANS: D The patient has symptoms consistent with a pulmonary embolism (PE). Elevating the head of the bed will improve ventilation and gas exchange. The other actions can be accomplished after the head is elevated (and oxygen is started). A spiral CT may be ordered by the health care provider to identify PE. Anticoagulants may be ordered after confirmation of the diagnosis of PE. DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 553 OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

19. The laboratory has just called with the arterial blood gas (ABG) results on four patients. Which result is most important for the nurse to report immediately to the health care provider? a. pH 7.34, PaO2 82 mm Hg, PaCO2 40 mm Hg, and O2 sat 97% b. pH 7.35, PaO2 85 mm Hg, PaCO2 45 mm Hg, and O2 sat 95% c. pH 7.46, PaO2 90 mm Hg, PaCO2 32 mm Hg, and O2 sat 98% d. pH 7.31, PaO2 91 mm Hg, PaCO2 50 mm Hg, and O2 sat 96%

ANS: D These ABGs indicate uncompensated respiratory acidosis and should be reported to the health care provider. The other values are normal or close to normal. DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 479 OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

29. The nurse is assessing arterial blood gases (ABGs). The client with which ABG reading requires the nurse's immediate attention? a. pH, 7.32; PaCO2, 55 mm Hg; PaO2, 70 mm Hg b. pH, 7.45; PaCO2, 42 mm Hg; PaO2, 70 mm Hg c. pH, 7.48; PaCO2, 38 mm Hg; PaO2, 60 mm Hg d. pH, 7.55; PaCO2, 32 mm Hg; PaO2, 50 mm Hg

ANS: D This client has the most severe hypoxia and respiratory alkalosis, indicated by low partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) values on ABG analysis. DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher REF: N/A TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Reduction of Risk Potential—Diagnostic Tests) MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Analysis)