Critical Care exam 1: respiratory | 80 Questions and Answers Graded A+

1) A nurse is caring for a patient with ARDS. The nurse views the ABG. What value should the nurse report to the physician? pH: 7.35 PaCO2: 26mmhg PaO2:95 HCO3: 22 a) PaCO2 b)pH c)HCO3 d)PaO2 - a The normal range for PaCO2 is 35-45. This patient is experiencing a superimposed respiratory alkalosis likely due to hyperventilation. The nurse should report the PaCO2 to the physician. 2) A nurse must position the patient prone after his diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Which of the following is a benefit of using this position? Select all that apply. A)Decreased atelectasis B)Reduced need for endotracheal intubation c)Mobilization of secretions d)Decreased pleural pressure e)Increased response to corticosteroid therapy - a, c, dDecreased atelectasis", "Mobilization of secretions" and "Decreased pleural pressure" are correct. Prone positioning, or placing the patient face down with the head turned to the side, helps with pulmonary function in the patient diagnosed with ARDS. When the patient is placed in a prone position, the heart and diaphragm are not pressing against the lungs, which means that pleural pressure is reduced. When there is less pressure exerted on the lungs, atelectasis decreases. Studies have shown that many patients in the prone position have increased lung secretions, which improves oxygenation. -"Reduced need for endotracheal intubation" is incorrect. The prone position has not been shown to decrease the likelihood of intubation. -"Increased response to corticosteroid therapy" is incorrect because positioning does not change the body's response to steroid therapy. 3) A 25-year-old patient in the ICU is being treated for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The patient is on a ventilator and requires 80 percent FiO2. Which information would the nurse most likely need to report about the patient to the respiratory therapist working with her? a)The patient needs endotracheal suctioning b)The patient needs more oxygen because of his saturation c)The patient needs an arterial blood gas drawn d)The patient needs a hemoglobin level drawn - c