Study 6 Respiratory Nursing Priorities with 12 free online flashcards. Review key terms, definitions, and concepts with this interactive flashcard deck.
What is the priority response to rising work of breathing and new confusion?
Rising work of breathing with new confusion or slowed responses may signal respiratory failure; stay with the patient, assess airway and breathing, provide support within the prescribed plan, and urgently call for help.
What SpO₂ target is recommended for a patient with COPD?
For a patient with COPD, titrate prescribed oxygen toward an SpO₂ target of 88–92%, then reassess the patient.
Should oxygen be withheld solely because a patient has COPD?
Do not withhold oxygen solely because the patient has COPD. Give prescribed oxygen and titrate toward the patient’s target.
What should be reassessed after oxygen is started or adjusted?
Reassess SpO₂, work of breathing, and mental status; do not rely on the monitor reading alone.
What acid–base disorder is suggested by pH 7.28, PaCO₂ 60 mm Hg, and HCO₃⁻ 26 mEq/L?
A low pH of 7.28 with elevated PaCO₂ of 60 mm Hg indicates respiratory acidosis; HCO₃⁻ of 26 mEq/L is near normal.
What is the priority when opioid-associated drowsiness suggests hypoventilation?
Assess ventilation and level of consciousness, support breathing, and urgently notify the clinical team. Oxygen alone does not correct inadequate ventilation.
What should the nurse do first when a distressed ventilated patient triggers a high-pressure alarm?
Assess the patient, airway, breathing, oxygenation, and circuit immediately, and summon help; treat the alarm as a possible emergency.
What is the priority for sudden distress with reduced airflow through a tracheostomy?
Call for immediate help, assess airway patency and oxygenation, and follow the emergency tracheostomy and suctioning protocol.
Which functions may be impaired in respiratory failure?
Respiratory failure may impair oxygenation, carbon dioxide removal, or both.
What SpO₂ range is recommended for most hospitalized adults without COPD?
The recommended SpO₂ range is 94–98% for most other hospitalized adults.
What may be needed if a ventilator or circuit is not providing ventilation?
If ventilation is failing, provide emergency manual ventilation according to training and local protocol while help addresses the cause.
Which findings show that high-flow nasal oxygen is not adequately stabilizing a patient?
Persistent hypoxemia below the prescribed target together with worsening respiratory effort and confusion indicates deterioration and need for urgent escalation.
Review the purpose and components of mental health assessment, mental status and safety evaluation, and clear clinical documentation.
A medium-difficulty quiz on applying trauma-informed, crisis, suicide-prevention, and violence-response principles in care.
A medium-difficulty quiz on recognizing anxiety-related conditions and applying respectful, safety-focused nursing care.
A medium-difficulty quiz on recognizing mood-disorder patterns and applying safe, person-centered nursing care.
Review personality disorder assessment and supportive care, eating disorder features and assessment, and collaborative behavioral approaches to individualized care.
A medium-difficulty quiz on personality disorders, eating disorders, therapeutic communication, assessment, and individualized care.
A medium-difficulty quiz on recognizing substance use disorder risks, assessment, withdrawal, overdose response, harm reduction, and treatment.
Learn how substance use disorders are assessed and treated, how to recognize urgent risks, and how respectful, person-centered care can support safety and recovery.
A quiz on choosing, monitoring, and using psychiatric medications safely, including recognizing important risks and applying medication-safety principles.
Learn how major psychiatric medication groups are used, what adverse effects and urgent warning signs to recognize, and how monitoring and shared decision-making support safer treatment.
A medium-difficulty quiz on person-centered mental health planning, collaboration, ethical responsibilities, and continuity of care.
Learn how to build person-centered mental health plans, coordinate teams, protect rights and privacy, and support safe transitions between care settings.