Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumPhysiological Adaptation

A nurse is caring for a client receiving mechanical ventilation for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The client's most recent arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis reveals the following:

ParameterValueReference Range
pH7.287.287.35−7.457.35 - 7.45
PaCO2\text{PaCO}_258 mm Hg58\text{ mm Hg}35−45 mm Hg35 - 45\text{ mm Hg}
HCO3−\text{HCO}_3^-24 mEq/L24\text{ mEq/L}22−26 mEq/L22 - 26\text{ mEq/L}
PaO2\text{PaO}_252 mm Hg52\text{ mm Hg}80−100 mm Hg80 - 100\text{ mm Hg}

The client is currently receiving a fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2\text{FiO}_2) of 0.600.60. Which of the following nursing actions are appropriate? Select all that apply.

  1. Assess the endotracheal tube for patency and suction if indicatedAnswer
  2. Anticipate an order to increase the ventilator's respiratory rateAnswer
  3. Prepare to assist with placing the client in a prone positionAnswer
  4. D
    Administer a prescribed intravenous bolus of sodium bicarbonate
  5. E
    Decrease the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) setting on the ventilator
  6. F
    Prepare the client for immediate extubation to non-invasive ventilation

Answer

The appropriate actions include assessing the endotracheal tube for patency, anticipating an increase in the ventilator's respiratory rate, and preparing to place the client in a prone position.
The client is experiencing uncompensated respiratory acidosis coupled with severe hypoxemia, which is characteristic of worsening ARDS. Interventions must focus on improving ventilation and oxygenation. Assessing and suctioning the endotracheal tube ensures the airway is clear of secretions that could block gas exchange. Anticipating an increase in the respiratory rate is correct because a higher minute ventilation will help the client eliminate excess carbon dioxide, thereby increasing the pH. Preparing the client for a prone position is a critical, evidence-based intervention for ARDS that shifts blood flow to better-ventilated anterior alveoli, significantly improving oxygenation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the arterial blood gas results to determine the primary acid-base imbalance.
The low pH (7.287.28) indicates acidemia. The elevated PaCO2\text{PaCO}_2 (58 mm Hg58\text{ mm Hg}) with a normal HCO3−\text{HCO}_3^- (24 mEq/L24\text{ mEq/L}) indicates uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
Correct interpretation of ABGs is required to identify that the client is hypoventilating and retaining carbon dioxide.
2
Evaluate the client's oxygenation status.
The PaO2\text{PaO}_2 is 52 mm Hg52\text{ mm Hg} despite an FiO2\text{FiO}_2 of 0.600.60. This indicates severe hypoxemia and a significant intrapulmonary shunt typical of ARDS.
Identifying severe hypoxemia dictates the need for interventions that improve oxygenation, such as positioning changes.
3
Select interventions that address both the respiratory acidosis and the severe hypoxemia.
Increasing the ventilator rate blows off CO2\text{CO}_2. Suctioning the endotracheal tube removes obstructions. Prone positioning improves oxygenation in ARDS.
Nursing care must directly target the physiological abnormalities revealed by the assessment data.

Key Concept

Management of uncompensated respiratory acidosis and severe hypoxemia in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
Rate this question

Topics

Physiological Adaptation

More questions from this topic