The ANA code of nursing ethics articulates that the nurse 'promotes, advocates for, and strives to protect the health, safety, and rights of the patient.' This includes the protection of patient privacy. On the basis of this principle, if you participate in a public online social network such as Facebook, could you post images of a patient's x-ray film if you obscured or deleted all patient identifiers?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: No, because, even though patient identifiers are removed, someone could identify the patient on the basis of other comments that you make online about his or her condition and your place of work. Rationale: 1. The ANA code emphasizes protecting patient privacy. 2. Even if identifiers are removed, other information can identify the patient. 3. Posting x-ray images can lead to patient identification through contextual clues. 4. Disclosing patient information without consent violates privacy rights. 5. Upholding patient confidentiality is crucial in healthcare settings. Summary: Choice A is incorrect because patient identification is not solely based on identifiers. Choice B is incorrect as autonomy doesn't override patient privacy rights. Choice D is irrelevant to the question of patient privacy. Choice C is correct as it highlights the potential risk of patient identification despite removing identifiers.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B (pH 7.45, PaCO2 30 mm Hg, PaO2 55 mm Hg) as it indicates early-stage ARDS. In ARDS, there is hypoxemia, resulting in low PaO2 levels. The low PaO2 can lead to respiratory alkalosis, hence the high pH (normal or slightly alkalotic). The low PaCO2 (hypocapnia) is a compensatory mechanism to maintain pH. Choices A, C, and D do not reflect the typical ABG findings in early-stage ARDS. A (pH 7.30, PaCO2 50 mm Hg, PaO2 60 mm Hg) shows respiratory acidosis and lower PaO2. C (pH 7.38, PaCO2 40 mm Hg, PaO2 92 mm Hg) indicates better oxygenation and less likely to be early ARDS. D (

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased PaO2 with decreased oxygen requirements. Prone therapy improves oxygenation in ARDS by optimizing ventilation-perfusion matching. When the patient's PaO2 increases and oxygen requirements decrease, it indicates improved oxygenation efficiency. Reduced chest expansion and decreased lung compliance (B) would suggest worsening lung function. Improved respiratory rate with increased tidal volumes (C) could indicate compensatory mechanisms, not necessarily improved oxygenation. Decreased blood pressure and heart rate (D) are more indicative of hemodynamic changes rather than the effectiveness of prone therapy in ARDS.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Obtain oxygen saturation using pulse oximetry. In a patient with sepsis, it is crucial to assess oxygen saturation to evaluate respiratory status and tissue perfusion. The patient's vital signs indicate signs of respiratory distress (elevated temperature, increased respirations) and potential hypoperfusion (low blood pressure). Oxygen saturation will provide critical information on the patient's oxygenation status. A: Notifying the healthcare provider may be necessary but addressing the immediate respiratory concern is the priority. C: Documenting and monitoring are important, but immediate intervention is needed due to the patient's critical condition. D: Administering acetaminophen is not appropriate at this time as the priority is to assess and address respiratory distress and potential hypoperfusion.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: white-out infiltrates bilaterally. In acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), chest x-ray typically shows diffuse bilateral infiltrates leading to a "white-out" appearance due to severe inflammation and fluid accumulation in the lungs. This finding is indicative of ARDS as it reflects the hallmark feature of widespread alveolar damage and edema. Explanation for incorrect choices: A: Infiltrates only on the upper lobes do not align with the diffuse bilateral involvement seen in ARDS. B: Enlargement of the heart with bilateral lower lobe infiltrates suggests congestive heart failure rather than ARDS. D: A normal chest x-ray would not be expected in a patient suspected of having ARDS, as there would be significant pathological changes present in the lungs.