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A nurse is caring for a patient on a mechanical ventilator in the assist-control mode. The
ventilator is set to deliver 12 breaths per minute with a tidal volume of 500 mL. The patient
begins to breathe at a rate of 18 breaths per minute. What is the nurse’s response?
a) Increase the tidal volume to match the patient's spontaneous breaths
✔✔b) The ventilator will continue delivering 12 breaths per minute and assist the patient’s
spontaneous breaths
c) Decrease the respiratory rate setting to match the patient’s breathing rate
d) Reduce the positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) setting
A nurse is monitoring a patient on mechanical ventilation and notices that the patient's oxygen
saturation is decreasing. The ventilator is set appropriately, but the patient’s condition is
worsening. What should the nurse assess first?
✔✔a) Check for potential complications such as a pneumothorax or tube dislodgement
b) Increase the tidal volume settings to improve oxygenation
c) Increase the ventilator rate settings to improve ventilation
d) Provide a higher concentration of oxygen to the patient
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,A nurse is caring for a patient receiving mechanical ventilation with a positive end-expiratory
pressure (PEEP) of 10 cm H2O. The nurse is concerned about the potential for barotrauma.
Which of the following would be the most appropriate intervention to minimize the risk of this
complication?
a) Increase the tidal volume to improve ventilation
✔✔b) Use a lower level of PEEP and monitor lung compliance
c) Increase the respiratory rate to increase ventilation
d) Administer sedation to reduce patient discomfort
A nurse is caring for a patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) who is on
mechanical ventilation. The ventilator is set to deliver 8 mL/kg of ideal body weight for tidal
volume. What is the rationale for this setting?
a) To avoid hyperventilation
✔✔b) To minimize ventilator-induced lung injury and prevent volutrauma
c) To deliver a higher volume of oxygen to the lungs
d) To improve oxygenation and decrease PaCO2 levels
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, A nurse is caring for a patient receiving mechanical ventilation in the pressure-support mode.
The nurse understands that this mode is used to:
a) Deliver a set tidal volume with each breath
✔✔b) Assist the patient’s spontaneous breathing by providing pressure support during inhalation
c) Control the patient’s respiratory rate and tidal volume
d) Deliver a constant pressure throughout the entire respiratory cycle
A nurse is caring for a patient on mechanical ventilation who is becoming agitated and showing
signs of respiratory distress. The patient’s tidal volume and respiratory rate are set appropriately.
What is the first action the nurse should take?
✔✔a) Assess the patient’s airway for obstructions or dislodgement of the endotracheal tube
b) Increase the tidal volume to improve oxygenation
c) Decrease the respiratory rate to avoid hyperventilation
d) Increase the oxygen flow rate to ensure adequate oxygenation
A nurse is caring for a patient receiving mechanical ventilation and observes that the patient is
beginning to develop signs of hypoventilation. The nurse checks the ventilator and finds the tidal
volume and respiratory rate settings to be appropriate. What is the most likely cause of
hypoventilation in this patient?
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