Examkin

Question

Difficulty: Very hardReduction of Risk Potential

A nurse is evaluating a client with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who is undergoing a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) via a T-piece. To reduce the risk of cardiopulmonary collapse and extubation failure, which assessment findings require the nurse to immediately terminate the trial and resume mechanical ventilation? Select all that apply.

  1. Heart rate increases from 88 to 134 beats/minAnswer
  2. B
    Arterial blood gas reveals a pH of 7.36, PaCO2 of 58 mm Hg, and HCO3- of 34 mEq/L
  3. Client demonstrates paradoxical abdominal wall movement during inspirationAnswer
  4. Rapid Shallow Breathing Index (RSBI) is calculated at 135 breaths/min/LAnswer
  5. E
    Oxygen saturation fluctuates between 89% and 91% on a fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) of 0.30
  6. F
    Client exhibits trace diaphoresis and an increase in respiratory rate from 18 to 24 breaths/min

Answer

The findings requiring immediate termination are a significant heart rate increase from baseline, paradoxical abdominal wall movement, and an elevated RSBI of 135 breaths/min/L.
Terminating a spontaneous breathing trial is required when objective criteria demonstrate the client cannot sustain independent ventilation. A massive heart rate increase indicates cardiovascular compensation is failing. Paradoxical breathing is a late, severe sign of diaphragmatic fatigue. An RSBI (f/Vt) > 105 breaths/min/L objectively quantifies that the breathing pattern is too rapid and shallow to maintain adequate gas exchange, predicting extubation failure.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the client's underlying condition and physiological baseline.
The client has severe COPD, meaning chronic hypercapnia, fully compensated pH, and a lower SpO2 baseline (88-92%) are expected findings that do not mandate intervention.
Recognizing the chronic baseline prevents premature termination of the trial for variances that are actually normal for this specific pathophysiology.
2
Evaluate the hemodynamic and respiratory parameters against objective weaning failure criteria.
A heart rate increase > 20% (from 88 to 134 beats/min) and an RSBI > 105 breaths/min/L indicate intolerable cardiopulmonary stress and a high risk of extubation failure.
Objective criteria provide evidence-based triggers to intervene before complete cardiopulmonary collapse occurs.
3
Identify clinical signs of acute respiratory muscle fatigue.
Paradoxical abdominal movement indicates the diaphragm is exhausted and accessory muscles are failing to maintain adequate ventilation.
Direct clinical observation of respiratory mechanics serves as a critical early warning sign of impending respiratory arrest.

Key Concept

Identifying objective criteria for Spontaneous Breathing Trial (SBT) failure and impending respiratory decompensation.
Rate this question

Topics

Reduction of Risk Potential

More questions from this topic