A patient develops increasing dyspnea and hypoxemia 2 days after heart surgery. To determine whether the patient has acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or pulmonary edema caused by heart failure, the nurse will plan to assist with
a. obtaining a ventilation-perfusion scan.
b. drawing blood for arterial blood gases.
c. insertion of a pulmonary artery catheter.
d. positioning the patient for a chest x-ray.
Question 2A nurse is caring for an obese patient with right lower lobe pneumonia. Which position will be best to improve gas exchange?
a. On the left side
b. On the right side
c. In the tripod position
d. In the high-Fowler's position
Question 3The oxygen saturation (SpO2) for a patient with left lower lobe pneumonia is 90. The patient has rhonchi, a weak cough effort, and complains of fatigue. Which action is a priority for the nurse to take?
a. Position the patient on the left side.
b. Assist the patient with staged coughing.
c. Place a humidifier in the patient's room.
d. Schedule a 2-hour rest period for the patient.
Question 4When admitting a patient with possible respiratory failure with a high PaCO2, which assessment information should be immediately reported to the health care provider?
a. The patient is somnolent.
b. The patient complains of weakness.
c. The patient's blood pressure is 164/98.
d. The patient's oxygen saturation is 90.
Question 5A patient with respiratory failure has a respiratory rate of 6 breaths/minute and an oxygen saturation (SpO2) of 88. The patient is increasingly lethargic. Which intervention will the nurse anticipate?
a. Administration of 100 oxygen by non-rebreather mask
b. Endotracheal intubation and positive pressure ventilation
c. Insertion of a mini-tracheostomy with frequent suctioning
d. Initiation of continuous positive pressure ventilation (CPAP)
Quick Reply
