The nurse is caring for a client with atelectasis. Which ...

[pragya sharda]

The nurse is caring for a client with atelectasis. Which prescription from the health care provider would the nurse anticipate to correct this problem?
 
  1. Increase oxygen concentration
  2. Increase flow rate
  3. Increase tidal volume
  4. Set PEEP at 6 cm H2O

Question 2

The nurse working in the intensive care unit is assigned a client requiring mechanical ventilation. When responding to the ventilator alarm, the nurse sees a high-pressure alarm. Which nursing action is the priority?
 
  1. Silencing the alarm
  2. Removing the client from the ventilator and using a bag-valve device to oxygenate the client until the respiratory therapist can be summoned
  3. Emptying the collected water from the ventilator tubing
  4. Assessing the client

[mariahkathleeen]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 4

PEEP is often used to prevent further atelectasis because it maintains open alveoli between breaths. Increasing tidal volume would not prevent airway collapse after expiration. Increasing oxygen concentration or oxygen flow rate would not impact atelectasis.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 4

The nurse should treat the client and not the alarm, so the first action would be to assess the client quickly. In most instances, depending on facility policy, if a client requires mechanical ventilation, he is placed on cardiorespiratory monitors with continuous oxygen saturation monitoring. The nurse would assess heart rate and oxygen saturation, and examine the client for any signs of distress. If the client is comfortable, and assessment findings are within normal limits, the cause of the alarm could be water collecting in the tubing (which should be emptied). However, if the client is in distress, it might be necessary to remove the client from the ventilator and to bag the client until the cause of the problem can be located and corrected.