A client with a history of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) for an acute exacerbation. The client's initial arterial blood gas (ABG) values on admission were pH , PaCO mm Hg, PaO mm Hg, and HCO mEq/L. After 90 minutes of continuous NIPPV therapy, a repeat ABG reveals pH , PaCO mm Hg, PaO mm Hg, and HCO mEq/L. Upon entering the room to review these results, the nurse observes that the client is now difficult to arouse, moans only in response to a sternal rub, and exhibits absent gag and swallow reflexes. Which action should the nurse take immediately?
- Remove the non-invasive ventilation mask and prepare the client for emergent endotracheal intubation.Cevap
- BMaintain the current ventilation settings and closely monitor the client for continued respiratory improvement.
- CCollaborate with the respiratory therapist to increase the inspiratory positive airway pressure (IPAP) setting.
- DAdminister the prescribed intravenous methylprednisolone to rapidly decrease bronchial inflammation.
Cevap
The nurse must immediately prepare for endotracheal intubation because the client has lost the ability to protect their airway, which is an absolute contraindication for continuing non-invasive ventilation.
Although the client's arterial blood gas values are demonstrating objective physiological improvement (increasing pH, decreasing PaCO2, and increasing PaO2), the clinical neurological assessment indicates severe deterioration. A decreased level of consciousness to the point of responding only to pain, combined with the loss of protective airway reflexes (absent gag and swallow), are absolute contraindications for non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV). The risk of emesis and subsequent massive aspiration is critically high. The nurse must recognize that treating the patient's airway patency (the 'A' in ABCs) supersedes the improving ventilation numbers, necessitating immediate endotracheal intubation.
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Anahtar Kavram
Clinical indications and contraindications for invasive versus non-invasive airway management during acute respiratory failure.