The nurse caring for a newborn on a ventilator for acute ...

[nenivikky]

The nurse caring for a newborn on a ventilator for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) informs the parents that the newborn is improving.
 
  Which data supports the nurse's assessment of the newborn's condition?
  A) Increased PCO2
  B) Oxygen saturation of 92
  C) Pulmonary vascular resistance increases
  D) Less than 1 mL/kg/hour urine output

Question 2

A client receiving treatment for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is demonstrating anxiety and fear of having to stay on the ventilator indefinitely. Which interventions by the nurse are appropriate?
 
  Select all that apply.
  A) Explain about care areas specifically designed for long-term ventilatory support.
  B) Dim the lights and reduce distracting noise, such as the television.
  C) Instruct that intubation and ventilation are temporary measures.
  D) Encourage family visits and participation in care.
  E) Remain with the client as much as possible.

[Kimmy]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: B

An expected outcome for a client being treated for ARDS is maintaining an oxygen saturation of greater than 90. The newborn diagnosed with ARDS with an oxygen saturation of 92 is improving. Increased PCO2 and pulmonary vascular resistance are indicative of continued distress. Urine output of less than 1 mL/kg/hour is an abnormal finding and does not support that the newborn is improving.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: C, D, E

A critical illness creates anxiety for any client. For the client with ARDS, anxiety is compounded by intubation and mechanical ventilation. To reduce this client's anxiety, the nurse should encourage the family to visit and participate in care. The nurse should also remain with the client as much as possible and instruct that intubation and ventilation are temporary measures to allow the lungs to rest and heal. Explaining that there are care areas designed for long-term ventilatory support could increase the client's anxiety. The nurse should provide distractions such as television or radio and not dim the lights or turn off the television, which could also increase the client's anxiety.