what is the nurses priority when caring for a client with a tracheostomy who is showing signs of respiratory distress
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Nursing Elites

ATI LPN

ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 with NGN

1. What is the nurse's priority when caring for a client with a tracheostomy who is showing signs of respiratory distress?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to suction the tracheostomy. When a client with a tracheostomy is experiencing respiratory distress, the priority intervention is to clear the airway by suctioning the tracheostomy to remove secretions that may be obstructing the air passage. Administering a bronchodilator (Choice A) may be considered if bronchospasm is present, but the immediate focus should be on clearing the airway. Notifying the physician (Choice C) is important but should not delay the immediate intervention of suctioning. Increasing the oxygen flow rate (Choice D) may provide temporary relief, but addressing the root cause of the distress by suctioning is the priority.

2. A nurse is collecting data from a newly-admitted infant who is 3 months old and has diarrhea. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Irritability in infants can indicate worsening dehydration, which needs to be reported. Weight gain (Choice A) would be a positive finding, indicating adequate fluid intake. Poor appetite (Choice B) is common with diarrhea but not as concerning as irritability. Decreased urination (Choice D) can also be a sign of dehydration, but irritability is more specific to worsening dehydration in this case.

3. What are the early signs of heart failure in a patient?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Shortness of breath and weight gain. Early signs of heart failure typically manifest as shortness of breath due to fluid accumulation in the lungs and weight gain due to fluid retention in the body. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Fatigue and chest pain are symptoms commonly associated with heart conditions but are not specific early signs of heart failure. Nausea and vomiting are not typically early signs of heart failure. Cough can be a symptom of heart failure, but it is usually associated with other symptoms like shortness of breath rather than being an isolated early sign. Elevated blood pressure is not an early sign of heart failure; in fact, heart failure is more commonly associated with low blood pressure.

4. A client with a tracheostomy is exhibiting signs of respiratory distress. What should the nurse do first?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client with a tracheostomy is experiencing respiratory distress, the priority action is to suction the tracheostomy to clear the airway and improve breathing. This helps remove secretions or blockages that may be causing the distress. Notifying the healthcare provider (Choice A) can be done after ensuring immediate airway clearance. Administering a bronchodilator (Choice C) would not address the primary issue of airway clearance in a tracheostomy patient. Increasing the oxygen flow rate (Choice D) may be necessary but should come after ensuring the airway is clear.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who has pneumonia and new onset confusion. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: Increasing the client's oxygen flow rate should be the nurse's first action. Hypoxia is a common complication of pneumonia and can lead to confusion. Providing adequate oxygenation is essential in addressing hypoxia and improving the client's condition.\nOption B: Obtaining vital signs is important but addressing hypoxia takes precedence in the setting of new onset confusion.\nOption C: Administering an antibiotic is important for treating pneumonia but addressing hypoxia and confusion is the priority.\nOption D: Notifying the provider may be necessary but addressing the immediate physiological need of oxygenation should come first.

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