Question

The nurse provides care for a client with a head injury who is placed on a volume-cycled ventilator. Which action by the nurse best indicates an understanding of proper management of a client on a mechanical ventilator?

1. Water is added to the tubing to provide for humidification of inspired air.
2. The sigh setting on the ventilator is adjusted to occur every hour.
3. Ventilator settings are adjusted according to the client 's serum electrolytes.
4. A high concentration of oxygen is delivered to prevent tissue ischemia and necrosis.

Answer 1

Adding water to the tubing for humidification of inspired air best indicates an understanding of proper management of a client on a mechanical ventilator. This mimics the body's natural process and protects the airways and lungs.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks what action by a nurse indicates proper management of a client with a head injury who is on a mechanical ventilator. The correct action is adding water to the tubing for humidification of inspired air. This practice is consistent with the physiological need to warm and humidify inhaled air before it reaches the lungs. It also protects the airways and lungs by mimicking the body's natural humidification process, which is normally provided by the nasal passages and helps prevent damage to the trachea and lungs.

It is important to note that appropriate ventilator settings, including the rate of respiration and the tidal volume, should be closely regulated to match the patient's oxygen demand and carbon dioxide removal needs. In cases where oxygen demand increases, such as with hyperpnea, adjustments in the depth and rate of ventilation are needed to meet cellular requirements without significantly altering blood gas levels.