Question

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving PEEP via mechanical ventilation. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects of PEEP?

a) Decreased cardiac output
b) Increased urine output
c) Elevated blood pressure
d) Bradycardia

Answer 1

When monitoring a patient on PEEP via mechanical ventilation, a nurse should be aware of potential decreased cardiac output, which is due to increased intrathoracic pressure leading to reduced venous return.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse who is caring for a client receiving Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) via mechanical ventilation should monitor the client for several potential adverse effects. One such adverse effect is a decrease in cardiac output. PEEP can increase intrathoracic pressure which can in turn reduce venous return to the heart, thus lowering cardiac output. It is not typically associated with increasing urine output, elevating blood pressure, or causing bradycardia directly, although these can be secondary effects of changes in cardiac output and blood volume.