You have been asked to monitor a patient who has just been ...

[dollx]

You have been asked to monitor a patient who has just been extubated. Which of the following parameters would you monitor?
 
  1. Color
  2. Breath sounds
  3. Vital signs
  4. Inspiratory force
  a. 1, 2, and 3 only
  b. 2 and 4 only
  c. 3 and 4 only
  d. 2, 3, and 4 only

Question 2

An adult patient receiving cool mist therapy after extubation begins to develop stridor. Which of the following actions would you recommend?
 
  a. Change from cool mist to heated aerosol.
  b. Re-intubate the patient immediately.
  c. Administer a racemic epinephrine treat-ment.
  d. Draw and analyze an arterial blood gas.

[kmb352]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
After extubation, check for good air movement by auscultation. Stridor or decreased air move-ment after extubation indicates upper airway problems. Next, assess the patient's respiratory rate, breathing pattern, heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Because laryngeal edema may worsen with time and stridor may develop, be sure that racemic epinephrine for nebulization is available.

[dollx]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[bblaney]

TYSM