The nurse is careful to monitor a patient's cardiac output because this helps the nurse to determine

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Oxygenation requirements. Monitoring cardiac output helps determine the amount of blood the heart is pumping, which directly affects the delivery of oxygen to tissues. This information is crucial in assessing the patient's oxygenation status and ensuring adequate oxygen supply to meet the body's needs. A: Peripheral extremity circulation - While cardiac output can impact peripheral circulation, it is not the primary reason for monitoring cardiac output. C: Cardiac arrhythmias - Monitoring cardiac output may indirectly help in identifying arrhythmias, but it is not the main purpose of monitoring cardiac output. D: Ventilation status - Cardiac output and ventilation status are related but distinct parameters. Monitoring cardiac output focuses on assessing the heart's ability to pump blood, not the lungs' ability to exchange gases.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: A: Store oxygen tanks upright and secured Rationale: Storing oxygen tanks upright prevents leaks and ensures proper oxygen flow. Securing tanks prevents them from falling over, reducing the risk of damage or injury. This instruction prioritizes safety and proper functioning of the oxygen equipment. Summary of Incorrect Choices: B: Keeping oxygen tanks in a closed cabinet may restrict ventilation, leading to potential hazards like oxygen buildup and fire risk. C: Using extension cords with oxygen concentrators can increase the risk of tripping hazards and potential damage to the equipment. D: Ensuring the tank is less than half full before refilling is not a safety instruction but rather a guideline for refilling procedures.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because a spacer helps to increase the amount of medication that reaches the lungs by slowing down the inhalation and reducing the risk of medication depositing in the mouth or throat. Cleaning the spacer once a week with warm soapy water (choice A) is important but does not reflect understanding of how the spacer works. Exhaling into the spacer before inhaling (choice C) is incorrect and can contaminate the spacer. Choice D is incorrect because using a spacer actually helps improve the effectiveness of inhaled medications, not make them less effective.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Take the medication with a full glass of water. Guaifenesin is an expectorant that works by thinning and loosening mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up. Taking it with a full glass of water helps hydrate the patient, which aids in thinning the mucus. This promotes easier expectoration and helps relieve symptoms. Summary: B: Avoid driving while taking this medication - This is not directly related to taking guaifenesin and would be more applicable to medications that cause drowsiness. C: Take the medication on an empty stomach - Guaifenesin can be taken with or without food, so this is not necessary. D: Limit fluid intake to prevent overhydration - Hydration is important when taking guaifenesin to help with expectoration, so limiting fluid intake would not be recommended.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because sudden onset of dyspnea and hypoxemia are key symptoms of transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI). This is a serious complication caused by an inflammatory response to transfused blood products. Dyspnea and hypoxemia signify acute respiratory distress. Fever and chills (A) are more indicative of a transfusion reaction or infection. Generalized itching and rash (C) are symptoms of an allergic reaction. Low blood pressure and bradycardia (D) are more likely signs of a hemolytic reaction or sepsis.