Unit 4 Flashcards
True/False: Research shows that patients with ARDS who receive conservative fluid therapy have improved lung function and a shorter duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU length.
True
True/False: A patient on bleeding precautions can take up 10 1000 mg of aspirin a day.
False; aspirin or salicylates should be avoided.
As a result of decreased surfactant, what occurs?
The alveoli become unstable and tend to collapse unless they are filled with fluid.
How often should the incentive spirometer be used?
Every hour that the patient is awake.
Ventilator alarms and Interventions:
There is increased PIP associated with deliverance of a sigh.
High pressure; Empty water from the vent tubing and remove any kinks. Coordinate with respiratory therapist to adjust pressure alarm.
How is a tension pneumothorax treated?
With a needle thoracostomy.
True/False: Patients should be taught to not cross their legs in order to prevent pulmonary embolism.
True
With how much drainage in an hour would you notify the surgeon?
If there was 100 mL/ hr of drainage.
What labs are monitored for heparin?
PTT
What labs are monitored for the patient on warfarin?
INR
Describe the second chamber of a chest tube.
It is the water seal chamber that prevents air from moving back up the tubing system and into the chest.
What is the most common cause of a pulmonary embolism?
A blood clot, but it is important to remember that any substance can cause a PE.
Which acid base imbalance is associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome?
Respiratory acidosis
When is an open thoractomy needed for a patient with a hemothorax?
When the initial blood loss is at least 1000 mLs or there is persistent bleeding at the rate of 150 - 200 mL/ hr for over 3 or 4 hours.
Why is it important to keep that collection device of a chest tube below the chest?
Because it allows gravity to drain the pleural space.
How should a patient sit after extubation?
In semi-fowlers.
How often is respiratory status assessed for the patient with a pulmonary embolism?
Every 30 minutes.
What should be avoided when a patient is taking heparin?
Salicylates Puncturing the skin Use of firm tooth burshes Use of razors Rectal manipulation
Prevention of pulmonary embolism: How high should the affected limb be elevated to promote venous return
20 degrees or more above the level of the heart.
Why is the thorax examined for a patient with a pulmonary embolism?
To look for the presence of petechiae.
What is known as a rapidly developing and life threatening complication of blunt force trauma?
Tension pneumothorax.
When can you clamp the chest tube?
When changing drainage system of checking for air leaks.
How often do you promote pulmonary hygiene to the patient who is receiving mechanical ventilation?
Every 2 hours.
What type of clothing and shoes should be avoided for the patient on bleeding precautions?
Clothing or shoes that are tight and rub.
Describe ventilatory failure in regards to acute respiratory failure.
A problem with oxygen intake and blood flow that causes a ventilation-perfusion mismatch in which blood flow is normal but air flow is inadequate.
Ventilator alarms and Interventions:
The artificial airway is displaced.
High pressure; Asses the chest for unequal breath sounds and chest excursion, obtain chest x-ray, secure tube in place.
Explain DOPE for the intubated patient that shows manifestations of decreased oxygenation.
D-displaced tube
O-obstructed tube
P-pneumothorax
E-equiptment problems
What signs would a nurse observe if a patient were to have a pulmonary embolism?
Tachypnea Crackles Pleural friction rub Tachycardia S3 or S4 heart sound Diaphoretic Low grade fever Petechiae over chest and axillae Decreased SaO2
When is it important to suction a patient who is on mechanical ventilation?
When secretions, increased PIP, rhonchi and decreased breath sounds are present.
How is a hemothorax diagnosed?
With a chest x-ray and then confirmed with a thoracentesis.
Which acid base imbalance is associated with acute respiratory failure?
Respiratory acidosis
After notifying the rapid response team, what other interventions can you do for the patient with a pulmonary embolism?
Raise head of the bed
Prepare for oxygen therapy and blood gas analysis
Reassure the patient
Continue to monitor and assess for other changes
What non invasive intervention may be done to promote gas exchange?
Positioning and manually turning the patient every two hours.
What position is best for the patient with a pulmonary embolism?
High fowlers.
What is the priority nursing action when caring for an intubated patient?
Maintaining patent airway.
What can a patient on bleeding precautions use instead of razor?
An electric razor
How is VAP prevented?
With the ventilator bundle:
- Keeping HOB elevated at least 30 degrees.
- Perform oral care by brushing teeth every 8 hours and anitmicrobial rinse with chlorhexidine every 2 hours.
- Ulcer prophylaxis
- Preventing aspiration
- Pulmonary hygiene including chest physiotherapy, postural drainage, and turning and positioning.
What can occur if tension pneumothorax is not quickly detected and treated?
It can be fatal.
What occurs in a pulmonary contusion?
Hemorrhage and edema occur in and between the alveoli, reducing both lung movement and the area available for gas exchange.
What do you do a patient develops ARDS during mechanical ventilation?
Removed the ventilator and provide ventilation with a bag valve mask device.
How often should a patient that was just extubated take deep breaths and use the incentive spirometer?
They should take deep breaths ever half hour and use incentive spirometer every two hours. They should also limit speaking.
What causes a patient with a pulmonary embolism to feel a sense of impending doom and seem restless?
Hypoxemia
If the flow is set too low for the patient who is on mechanical ventilation, what should interventions can be done?
Increasing the flow rate should be tried first, before using any chemical restraints.
What is the antidote for heparin?
Protamine sulfate
What activity is reduced in acute respiratory distress syndrome?
Surfactant
True/ False: CPR can cause flail chest.
True.
Describe the third chamber of a chest tube.
This chamber is the suction regulator when suction is applied.
What are the steps that need to be done before and during extubation?
Hyperoxygenate the patient and thoroughly suction for the ET tube and the oral cavity. Rapidly deflate the cuff of the ET tube and remove the tube at peak inspiration.
What can occur in the water seal chamber when a patient sneezes, coughs or exhales?
Bubbling.
What are ten common causes of oxygenation failure?
- Low atmospheric oxygenation concentration like high altitudes.
- Pneumonia
- CHF with pulmonary edema
- Pulmonary embolism
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome
- Interstitial pneumonitis-fibrosis
- Abnormal hemoglobin
- Hypovolemic shock
- Hypoventilation
- Complications of nitroprusside therapy
What nursing care is needed for the patient with a tension pneumothorax?
Pain control and pulmonary hygiene.
If a patient is suspected of having a pulmonary embolism what is the nurse’s priority?
Call rapid response team
What foods need to be avoided for the patient taking warfarin?
Green leafy vegetables Herbs Spring onions Brussel sprouts Broccoli Cabbage Asparagus
Why is a stool softener given to patient on bleeding precautions?
To prevent straining during a bowel movement.
What are the 3 nursing priorities when caring for a patient during mechanical ventilation?
- Monitoring and evaluating patient responses.
- Managing the ventilator system safely.
- Preventing complications.
Ventilator alarms and Interventions:
Obstruction occurs because there is a kink in the tubing or the patient is lying on the tube.
High pressure; Assess the system starting with the artificial airway and moving toward the ventilator.
When is the normal amount of PEEP used?
5-15
How is ARDS diagnosed?
Its established by a low PaO2 and determined by ABGs
What are the usual causes of ventilatory failure?
A physical problem of the lungs or chest wall.
A defect in respiratory control center in the brain.
Poor function of respiratory muscles, especially the diaphragm.
What is an example of a closed pneumothorax?
A patient with COPD who has a pneumothorax.
What is at risk for a patient with a rib fracture?
A deep chest injury
What is the cardinal feature of acute respiratory distress syndrome?
Refractory hypoxemia (hypoxemia that persists when 100% oxygen is given)
What are the normal levels of CPAP?
5-15
What are 14 major risk factors for DVT that lead to PE?
Prolonged immobility Central venous catheters Surgery Obesity Advancing age Conditions that increase blood clotting History of thromboembolism Smoking Pregnancy Estrogen therapy Heart failure Stroke Cancer (especially lung and prostate) Trauma
True/False: A patient on bleeding precautions should not floss.
True. And they should use a soft bristled toothbrush.
When is synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation used?
Usually when the patient is weening off of the vent.
What do you do if there is continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber?
Notify the health care provider.
How does a patient with a rib fracture appear?
They have pain on movement and splints the chest defensively.
What illnesses and complications can you hear a pleural friction rub?
Pleurisy Tuberculosis Pulmonary infarction Pneumonia Lung Cancer