A critical care nurse is preparing to transport a hemodynamically unstable client to the radiology department for an urgent diagnostic scan. The client is intubated, receiving mechanical ventilation, and requires a continuous intravenous infusion of norepinephrine. To prevent adverse events and ensure client safety during transport, which action is appropriate for the nurse to implement?
- AAssign the transport to a respiratory therapist and an unlicensed assistive personnel so the nurse can monitor other clients on the unit.
- BTemporarily pause the norepinephrine infusion during the elevator ride to prevent the intravenous lines from becoming tangled or dislodged.
- Verify that a portable transport ventilator with sufficient oxygen is secured and attach a continuous cardiac and blood pressure monitor visible to the team.Answer
- DElevate the head of the client's bed to a high Fowler's position prior to movement to maximize lung expansion and prevent aspiration.
Answer
Verify that a portable transport ventilator with sufficient oxygen is secured and attach a continuous cardiac and blood pressure monitor visible to the team.
Intra-hospital transport of a critically ill, mechanically ventilated client is a high-risk event that requires meticulous preparation to prevent life-threatening accidents. The standard of care mandates that the client remains continuously connected to a secure oxygen source via a transport ventilator. Furthermore, because the client is hemodynamically unstable and receiving vasoactive medications, the nurse must maintain constant visibility of the continuous cardiac and blood pressure monitor to immediately detect and intervene in the event of physiological deterioration.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Safe Intra-hospital Transport of Critically Ill Clients