Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Determine the patient’s work of breathing. Assessing the exhaled tidal volume (EV) in a mechanically ventilated patient helps determine how much effort the patient is exerting to breathe. By monitoring the EV, the nurse can evaluate the patient's respiratory status and adjust ventilator settings if needed. It is crucial to ensure that the patient is not working too hard to breathe, as this can lead to respiratory distress. Incorrect answers: A: Assess for tension pneumothorax - Tension pneumothorax is typically assessed through other means such as physical examination and chest X-ray. B: Assess the level of positive end-expiratory pressure - The level of positive end-expiratory pressure is usually set based on the patient's condition and not solely based on the exhaled tidal volume. C: Compare the tidal volume delivered with the tidal volume prescribed - This comparison is important but does not directly relate to assessing the patient's work of breathing.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Airway clearance therapies. In cystic fibrosis (CF), mucus buildup in the lungs can lead to infections and breathing difficulties. Airway clearance therapies help loosen and clear this mucus, improving lung function. Antibiotic therapy (B) is used to treat infections but is not specific to CF treatment. Nutritional support (C) is crucial in CF due to malabsorption, but it is not the primary treatment. Tracheostomy (D) is a surgical procedure to create an airway bypassing the upper respiratory tract and is not a standard treatment for CF.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Provide for oxygen administration. The first intervention for hypoxemia is to increase oxygen levels to improve oxygen saturation in the blood. Oxygen administration can be achieved through various devices such as nasal cannula, face mask, or non-rebreather mask. This intervention helps to increase the oxygen supply to the patient's tissues and organs, addressing the underlying cause of hypoxemia. Calling for emergency intubation (choice A) is not the first step unless the patient's condition deteriorates. Obtaining an order for BiPAP (choice B) may be beneficial in some cases but is not the initial intervention for hypoxemia. Suctioning secretions (choice D) may be necessary if airway obstruction is present but is not the first step in addressing hypoxemia.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because instructing the family on where the patient can be touched and what to say helps empower them to interact appropriately with the patient. This action promotes the family's involvement in the patient's care, encourages communication, and fosters a supportive environment. Choice B is incorrect as engaging in social conversation may not address the family's hesitance to approach the patient directly. Choice C is incorrect because waiting for visiting hours to provide information may delay necessary support for the family. Choice D is incorrect as leaving the family without guidance may perpetuate their discomfort and hinder their ability to provide emotional support to the patient.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Determine the patient’s work of breathing. Assessing the exhaled tidal volume (EV) in a mechanically ventilated patient helps determine how much effort the patient is exerting to breathe. By monitoring the EV, the nurse can evaluate the patient's respiratory status and adjust ventilator settings if needed. It is crucial to ensure that the patient is not working too hard to breathe, as this can lead to respiratory distress. Incorrect answers: A: Assess for tension pneumothorax - Tension pneumothorax is typically assessed through other means such as physical examination and chest X-ray. B: Assess the level of positive end-expiratory pressure - The level of positive end-expiratory pressure is usually set based on the patient's condition and not solely based on the exhaled tidal volume. C: Compare the tidal volume delivered with the tidal volume prescribed - This comparison is important but does not directly relate to assessing the patient's work of breathing.