Which finding on a chest x-ray is most indicative of ARDS in a patient with progressive respiratory distress?

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Question 1 of 5

Which finding on a chest x-ray is most indicative of ARDS in a patient with progressive respiratory distress?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because diffuse bilateral infiltrates or 'white-out' appearance on a chest x-ray are classic findings in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) due to widespread alveolar damage and fluid accumulation. This pattern reflects severe impairment of gas exchange. Choice A is incorrect because unilateral infiltrates in the upper lobe are more indicative of conditions like pneumonia or lung cancer. Choice B is incorrect because cardiomegaly with pleural effusion suggests heart failure rather than ARDS. Choice D is incorrect because normal findings despite severe symptoms are not characteristic of ARDS, which presents with significant abnormalities on imaging due to the underlying lung injury.

Question 2 of 5

Which statement by the nurse when explaining the purpose of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) to the family members of a patient with ARDS is correct?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Rationale: Correct Answer (D): PEEP prevents the lung air sacs from collapsing during exhalation. PEEP helps maintain lung recruitment by keeping the air sacs open at the end of expiration, preventing collapse and improving oxygenation. This is crucial in patients with ARDS to prevent atelectrauma and improve gas exchange. Incorrect Choices: A: Incorrect. PEEP does not prevent fibrosis of the lung. Its primary purpose is to maintain lung recruitment. B: Incorrect. PEEP does not push more air into the lungs during inhalation but helps keep the lungs open during exhalation. C: Incorrect. PEEP does not directly control the oxygen percentage delivered by the ventilator; its main role is to maintain lung volume.

Question 3 of 5

The high-pressure alarm on a patient's ventilator goes off. When you enter the room to assess the patient, who has ARDS, the oxygen saturation monitor reads 87% and the patient is struggling to sit up. Which action should you take next?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Manually ventilate the patient while assessing possible reasons for the high-pressure alarm. This is the best course of action because the patient is in distress with low oxygen saturation and struggling to sit up, indicating a critical situation. Manually ventilating the patient ensures adequate oxygenation and ventilation while addressing the high-pressure alarm issue promptly. Assessing the possible reasons for the alarm is crucial to identify and address the underlying problem causing the high pressure. Choice A is incorrect because inserting an oral airway is not the priority in this situation and may delay addressing the patient's respiratory distress. Choice B is incorrect as reassuring the patient does not address the underlying issue of the high-pressure alarm and the patient's deteriorating condition. Choice D is incorrect as increasing the fraction of inspired oxygen without assessing the reason for the high-pressure alarm may not resolve the issue and could potentially worsen the patient's condition.

Question 4 of 5

A nurse is caring for a client who is dying of metastatic breast cancer. She has a prescription for an opioid pain medication PRN. The nurse is concerned that administering a dose of pain medication might hasten the client's death. Which of the following ethical principles should the nurse use to support the decision not to administer the medication?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Nonmaleficence. Nonmaleficence is the ethical principle of "do no harm." In this scenario, the nurse should prioritize relieving the client's pain and suffering while ensuring that the medication does not cause harm or hasten the client's death. Administering the pain medication in this context aligns with the principle of nonmaleficence. Choice A (Utilitarianism) focuses on the greatest good for the greatest number and may prioritize the client's comfort over prolonging life, which is not the main concern in this scenario. Choice C (Fidelity) relates to being faithful to commitments and agreements and does not directly address the issue of administering pain medication. Choice D (Veracity) pertains to truthfulness and honesty in communication, which is not directly relevant to the decision of administering the pain medication in this situation.

Question 5 of 5

A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has a terminal illness and is ventilator-dependent. The client is alert and oriented and he wants to discontinue use of the ventilator. The nurse should be aware that continued treatment against the client's wishes is a violation of which of the following ethical principles?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Autonomy. Autonomy is the ethical principle that respects an individual's right to make their own decisions about their healthcare. In this scenario, the client is alert and oriented and has expressed the wish to discontinue the ventilator. As a nurse, it is important to respect the client's autonomy and honor their decision. Continuing treatment against the client's wishes would be a violation of their autonomy. Explanation for other choices: A. Veracity: Veracity refers to honesty and truthfulness. In this scenario, the issue is not about honesty but about respecting the client's wishes. C. Fidelity: Fidelity refers to being faithful and honoring commitments. While fidelity is important in nursing practice, in this case, it is more relevant to respect the client's autonomy. D. Justice: Justice refers to fairness and equality. While justice is important in healthcare, in this scenario, the main concern is respecting the client's autonomy and right to make decisions about their own

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