While assessing a patient who is 12 hours postoperative after a thoracotomy for lung cancer, a critical care RN notices that the chest tube is dislodged. Which action by the RN is best?

Which statement by the ICU RN when explaining the purpose of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) to the patient’s caregiver is accurate?

A 9 year old boy has been admitted with severe asthma. His initial PaCO2 was 34 mm Hg. One hour later his PaCO2 is 48 mm Hg, and 1 hour after that, his PaCO2 is 59 mm Hg. Which intervention would the nurse anticipate being ordered by the practitioner?

The ICU RN is caring for a mechanically ventilated patient and responds to a high inspiratory pressure alarm. Recognizing possible causes for the alarm, the RN assesses for which of the following? (Select all that apply.)

After change-of-shift report, which patient should the RN assess first?

A pulmonary RN cares for clients who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which client would the RN assess first?

A 49 year old male patient who has a right-sided chest tube after a thoracotomy has continuous bubbling in the suction-control chamber of the collection device. Which action by the RN is appropriate?

Which information will be most important for the RN to communicate to the health care provider about an older patient who has influenza?

The ICU RN has just auscultated coarse crackles bilaterally on a 45 year old male patient with a tracheostomy tube in place. If the patient is unsuccessful in coughing up secretions, what action should the nurse take?

An ICU patient is to receive a dopamine infusion. What does the RN do to prepare for this infusion?