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A client receiving vent-assisted mode ventilation begins to experience cluster breathing after recent intracranial occipital bleeding. Which action would be most appropriate?

A. Count the rate to be sure the ventilations are deep enough to be sufficient.
B. Call the physician while another nurse checks the vital signs and ascertains the patient's Glasgow Coma score.
C. Call the physician to adjust the ventilator settings.
D. Check deep tendon reflexes to determine the best motor response.

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The most appropriate action for vent-assisted cluster breathing following intracranial bleeding is to call the physician and assess the patient's Glasgow Coma Score to evaluate neurological function urgently.

Step-by-step explanation:

A client receiving vent-assisted mode ventilation who begins to experience cluster breathing after recent intracranial occipital bleeding should be assessed swiftly and thoroughly. In this emergency situation, option B would be the most appropriate: calling the physician while another nurse checks the vital signs and ascertains the patient's Glasgow Coma score. This action is crucial as it allows for rapid assessment of neurological function, which is vital for determining the severity of the client's condition and guides immediate and effective medical intervention.

Cluster breathing can indicate a deteriorating neurological status, potentially leading to further complications, which necessitates a prompt and comprehensive response from the medical team. The Glasgow Coma Score is an objective measure of the client's consciousness level and neurological function. In contrast, counting breath rate for sufficiency (option A) or checking deep tendon reflexes (option D) are not immediate priorities when a significant change in breathing pattern occurs.

Critical thinking in such urgent scenarios is imperative, and a rapid assessment of neurological function helps healthcare professionals to prioritize actions for ensuring the safety and well-being of the patient. Remember, proper communication and teamwork are essential, paralleling measures such as the checklist proposed by Dr. Pronovost for ICU procedures.

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