An obstetric nurse comes across an automobile accident. The driver seems to have a crushed upper airway, and while waiting for emergency medical services to arrive, the nurse makes a cut in the trachea and inserts a straw from a purse to provide an airway. The patient survives and has a permanent problem with vocal cords, making it difficult to talk. Which statement is true regarding the nurse's performance?
The nurse stayed within the guidelines of the Good Samaritan Law.
The nurse acted appropriately and saved the patient's life.
The nurse should have just stayed with the patient and waited for help.
The nurse took actions beyond those that are standard and appropriate.
The Correct Answer is D
A. The Good Samaritan Law typically protects individuals who provide care in emergency situations but may not apply if the actions taken are beyond the standard of care or are not in the nurse's training.
B. While the nurse's intention was to save the patient's life, the method employed was not a recognized standard procedure for airway management and may have caused harm.
C. Waiting for help may not have been an appropriate option if the patient's airway was compromised, but the method employed by the nurse was not advisable.
D. Cutting into the trachea and using a straw as a makeshift airway are actions that exceed the typical scope of nursing practice and could be deemed inappropriate, regardless of the outcome for the patient.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Atelectasis can occur in anyone, not just those with chronic conditions; this statement is incorrect.
B. While hyperventilation may temporarily open alveoli, it is not a preventative measure for atelectasis.
C. Breathing exercises, such as incentive spirometry or deep breathing, are effective in preventing atelectasis by promoting lung expansion and alveolar ventilation.
D. A chest tube is typically used to remove air or fluid from the pleural space, not for the treatment of atelectasis, which is often managed with respiratory therapies.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Increasing activity level may be unrealistic for a patient on strict bed rest due to a pelvic fracture.
B. Repositioning every 2 hours is a realistic and achievable goal for a patient on bed rest to prevent complications such as pressure ulcers and maintain circulation.
C. Using a walker for ambulation may not be feasible immediately after a pelvic fracture.
D. Transferring with a sliding board may not be safe or appropriate in the early stages post-injury, especially if bed rest is required.