Author Question: Which symptoms will be most important for the nurse to assess for early signs of respiratory ... (Read 32 times)

2125004343 · **on:** Jul 24, 2018

Which symptoms will be most important for the nurse to assess for early signs of respiratory distress in the patient who has been given a neuromuscular-blocking agent?

a. Nasal flaring and retraction of intercostal muscles
b. Dyspnea, increased respiratory rate, and cyanosis
c. Restlessness, anxiety, and lethargy
d. Pallor, stridor, and diaphoresis

Question 2

The patient's family asks why neuromuscular blocking agents are used before electroconvulsive therapy. Which explanation by the nurse is most accurate?

a. They stimulate respirations while therapy is delivered.
b. They prevent aspiration of respiratory secretions during the therapy.
c. They decrease intracranial pressure resulting from therapy.
d. They reduce the risk of injury during therapy.

hollysheppard095 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 24, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
The signs of restlessness, anxiety, lethargy, decreased mental alertness, and headache are early, subtle clues to respiratory distress. Retractions, flaring, dyspnea, hyperventilation, cyanosis, pallor, stridor, and diaphoresis are not early signs of respiratory distress.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Neuromuscular-blocking agents are used before electroconvulsive therapy to paralyze the skeletal muscles and reduce the risk of fractures during therapy. Neuromuscular-blocking agents do not stimulate respiration, prevent aspiration, or affect intracranial pressure.