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NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is caring for a client who has an endotracheal tube and is receiving mechanical ventilation. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to reduce the risk of ventilator associated pneumonia?
A. Position the head of the client’s bed in the flat position.
Positioning the head of the client’s bed in the flat position is not a good way to reduce the risk of ventilator associated pneumonia. This position can increase the risk of aspiration of oral secretions or gastric contents into the lungs, which can cause infection. The nurse should elevate the head of the bed to 30 to 45 degrees to prevent aspiration and promote drainage of secretions.
B. Brush the client’s teeth with a suction toothbrush every 12 hr.
Brushing the client’s teeth with a suction toothbrush every 12 hr is an effective way to reduce the risk of ventilator associated pneumonia. Oral hygiene can reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth and prevent the formation of dental plaque, which can harbor pathogens that can cause pneumonia. The nurse should use a suction toothbrush to remove debris and secretions from the mouth and prevent them from entering the lungs.
C. Provide humidity by maintaining moisture within the ventilator tubing.
Providing humidity by maintaining moisture within the ventilator tubing is not a helpful way to reduce the risk of ventilator associated pneumonia. Humidity can increase the growth of bacteria and fungi in the ventilator circuit, which can contaminate the air delivered to the lungs. The nurse should change the ventilator tubing and filters regularly and use sterile water to fill the humidifier.
D. Turn the client every 4 hr.
Turning the client every 4 hr is not a sufficient way to reduce the risk of ventilator associated pneumonia. Turning can help prevent pressure ulcers and improve blood circulation, but it does not prevent the accumulation of secretions in the lungs, which can cause infection. The nurse should use chest physiotherapy, suctioning, and coughing techniques to mobilize and clear secretions from the airways.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - Ati Pharmacology Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: Positioning the head of the client’s bed in the flat position is not a good way to reduce the risk of ventilator associated pneumonia. This position can increase the risk of aspiration of oral secretions or gastric contents into the lungs, which can cause infection. The nurse should elevate the head of the bed to 30 to 45 degrees to prevent aspiration and promote drainage of secretions.
Choice B reason: Brushing the client’s teeth with a suction toothbrush every 12 hr is an effective way to reduce the risk of ventilator associated pneumonia. Oral hygiene can reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth and prevent the formation of dental plaque, which can harbor pathogens that can cause pneumonia. The nurse should use a suction toothbrush to remove debris and secretions from the mouth and prevent them from entering the lungs.
Choice C reason: Providing humidity by maintaining moisture within the ventilator tubing is not a helpful way to reduce the risk of ventilator associated pneumonia. Humidity can increase the growth of bacteria and fungi in the ventilator circuit, which can contaminate the air delivered to the lungs. The nurse should change the ventilator tubing and filters regularly and use sterile water to fill the humidifier.
Choice D reason: Turning the client every 4 hr is not a sufficient way to reduce the risk of ventilator associated pneumonia. Turning can help prevent pressure ulcers and improve blood circulation, but it does not prevent the accumulation of secretions in the lungs, which can cause infection. The nurse should use chest physiotherapy, suctioning, and coughing techniques to mobilize and clear secretions from the airways.
Similar Questions
A nurse is caring for a client who has had a hemorrhagic stroke following a ruptured cerebral aneurysm. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?
A. History of neurologic deficits lasting less than 1 hr
A history of neurologic deficits lasting less than 1 hr is not a typical manifestation of a hemorrhagic stroke. This could be a sign of a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain that causes stroke like symptoms. A TIA is different from a hemorrhagic stroke, which is caused by bleeding in the brain due to a ruptured blood vessel.
B. Manifestations preceded by a severe headache
Manifestations preceded by a severe headache is a common manifestation of a hemorrhagic stroke. A ruptured cerebral aneurysm can cause sudden and intense pain in the head, often described as the worst headache of one's life. This is due to the increased pressure and irritation of the brain tissue and nerves by the blood leaking from the aneurysm.
C. Gradual onset of several hours
A gradual onset of several hours is not a usual manifestation of a hemorrhagic stroke. A hemorrhagic stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment, as the bleeding can cause rapid damage to the brain and increase the risk of death or disability. The symptoms of a hemorrhagic stroke usually develop suddenly and worsen quickly.
D. Maintains consciousness
Maintaining consciousness is not a likely manifestation of a hemorrhagic stroke. A hemorrhagic stroke can cause loss of consciousness, confusion, drowsiness, or coma due to the reduced blood flow and oxygen to the brain. The level of consciousness can also be affected by the location and extent of the bleeding, as well as the presence of complications such as hydrocephalus or vasospasm.
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: A history of neurologic deficits lasting less than 1 hr is not a typical manifestation of a hemorrhagic stroke. This could be a sign of a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain that causes stroke like symptoms. A TIA is different from a hemorrhagic stroke, which is caused by bleeding in the brain due to a ruptured blood vessel.
Choice B reason: Manifestations preceded by a severe headache is a common manifestation of a hemorrhagic stroke. A ruptured cerebral aneurysm can cause sudden and intense pain in the head, often described as the worst headache of one's life. This is due to the increased pressure and irritation of the brain tissue and nerves by the blood leaking from the aneurysm.
Choice C reason: A gradual onset of several hours is not a usual manifestation of a hemorrhagic stroke. A hemorrhagic stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment, as the bleeding can cause rapid damage to the brain and increase the risk of death or disability. The symptoms of a hemorrhagic stroke usually develop suddenly and worsen quickly.
Choice D reason: Maintaining consciousness is not a likely manifestation of a hemorrhagic stroke. A hemorrhagic stroke can cause loss of consciousness, confusion, drowsiness, or coma due to the reduced blood flow and oxygen to the brain. The level of consciousness can also be affected by the location and extent of the bleeding, as well as the presence of complications such as hydrocephalus or vasospasm.
A nurse is evaluating teaching on a client who has a new prescription for montelukast to treat asthma. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. "I'll take this medication when I get an asthma attack."
Taking this medication when getting an asthma attack is not a correct way to use montelukast. Montelukast is a leukotriene modifier that helps to reduce inflammation and prevent asthma attacks and exercise induced bronchoconstriction. It is taken once a day in oral form and may cause side effects such as stomach pain, diarrhea, or mood changes. It is not a fast acting rescue medicine for asthma attacks and needs to be taken daily.
B. "I'll rinse my mouth after taking this medication."
Rinsing the mouth after taking this medication is not necessary or helpful for montelukast. Rinsing the mouth is usually recommended for inhaled corticosteroids, which can cause oral thrush, a fungal infection in the mouth. Montelukast is not an inhaled corticosteroid and does not cause oral thrush.
C. "I'll take this medication once a day in the evening."
Taking this medication once a day in the evening is the correct way to use montelukast. Montelukast works best when taken in the evening, as it can improve the symptoms of asthma and allergic rhinitis that occur at night or early in the morning. Taking it at the same time every day can also help to maintain a steady level of the drug in the body and prevent missed doses.
D. "I'll use a spacer device when I inhale this medication."
Using a spacer device when inhaling this medication is not applicable or useful for montelukast. A spacer device is a tube that attaches to an inhaler and helps to deliver the medication more effectively to the lungs. Montelukast is not an inhaler, but a tablet or a granule that is swallowed.
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: Taking this medication when getting an asthma attack is not a correct way to use montelukast. Montelukast is a leukotriene modifier that helps to reduce inflammation and prevent asthma attacks and exercise induced bronchoconstriction. It is taken once a day in oral form and may cause side effects such as stomach pain, diarrhea, or mood changes. It is not a fast acting rescue medicine for asthma attacks and needs to be taken daily.
Choice B reason: Rinsing the mouth after taking this medication is not necessary or helpful for montelukast. Rinsing the mouth is usually recommended for inhaled corticosteroids, which can cause oral thrush, a fungal infection in the mouth. Montelukast is not an inhaled corticosteroid and does not cause oral thrush.
Choice C reason: Taking this medication once a day in the evening is the correct way to use montelukast. Montelukast works best when taken in the evening, as it can improve the symptoms of asthma and allergic rhinitis that occur at night or early in the morning. Taking it at the same time every day can also help to maintain a steady level of the drug in the body and prevent missed doses.
Choice D reason: Using a spacer device when inhaling this medication is not applicable or useful for montelukast. A spacer device is a tube that attaches to an inhaler and helps to deliver the medication more effectively to the lungs. Montelukast is not an inhaler, but a tablet or a granule that is swallowed.
A nurse in a provider’s office is assessing an older adult client whose son reports that the client has been sick with a respiratory illness for the past 6 days. Which of the following assessment findings is a manifestation of pneumonia in the older adult client?
A. Narrowed pulse pressure
Narrowed pulse pressure is not a specific manifestation of pneumonia in the older adult client. Pulse pressure is the difference between the systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings. A normal pulse pressure is about 40 mm Hg, and a narrowed pulse pressure is less than 25 mm Hg. A narrowed pulse pressure can indicate various conditions, such as heart failure, shock, or aortic stenosis, but it is not a sign of pneumonia.
B. Night sweats
Night sweats are not a common manifestation of pneumonia in the older adult client. Night sweats are episodes of excessive sweating during sleep that can soak the bedding or clothing. Night sweats can have many causes, such as menopause, infections, medications, or cancer, but they are not typically associated with pneumonia.
C. Bradycardia
Bradycardia is not a usual manifestation of pneumonia in the older adult client. Bradycardia is a slow heart rate, defined as less than 60 beats per minute. Bradycardia can be normal in some people, such as athletes or those who are very fit, or it can be a sign of a problem with the heart's electrical system. Pneumonia does not cause bradycardia, but it can cause tachycardia, which is a fast heart rate, due to the increased oxygen demand and inflammation.
D. Confusion
Confusion is a frequent manifestation of pneumonia in the older adult client. Confusion is a state of impaired awareness, orientation, memory, or judgment. Confusion can occur in older adults with pneumonia due to several factors, such as hypoxia, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, fever, or infection. Confusion can also increase the risk of complications, such as aspiration, falls, or delirium. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the mental status of the older adult client with pneumonia and report any changes to the provider..
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: Narrowed pulse pressure is not a specific manifestation of pneumonia in the older adult client. Pulse pressure is the difference between the systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings. A normal pulse pressure is about 40 mm Hg, and a narrowed pulse pressure is less than 25 mm Hg. A narrowed pulse pressure can indicate various conditions, such as heart failure, shock, or aortic stenosis, but it is not a sign of pneumonia.
Choice B reason: Night sweats are not a common manifestation of pneumonia in the older adult client. Night sweats are episodes of excessive sweating during sleep that can soak the bedding or clothing. Night sweats can have many causes, such as menopause, infections, medications, or cancer, but they are not typically associated with pneumonia.
Choice C reason: Bradycardia is not a usual manifestation of pneumonia in the older adult client. Bradycardia is a slow heart rate, defined as less than 60 beats per minute. Bradycardia can be normal in some people, such as athletes or those who are very fit, or it can be a sign of a problem with the heart's electrical system. Pneumonia does not cause bradycardia, but it can cause tachycardia, which is a fast heart rate, due to the increased oxygen demand and inflammation.
Choice D reason: Confusion is a frequent manifestation of pneumonia in the older adult client. Confusion is a state of impaired awareness, orientation, memory, or judgment. Confusion can occur in older adults with pneumonia due to several factors, such as hypoxia, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, fever, or infection. Confusion can also increase the risk of complications, such as aspiration, falls, or delirium. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the mental status of the older adult client with pneumonia and report any changes to the provider..