Free NCLEX RN Practice Test Practice Question
A client with adult respiratory distress syndrome has been placed on mechanical ventilation with PEEP. Which finding would indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing the undesirable effect of an increase in airway and chest pressure?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: An increase in airway and chest pressure can lead to decreased cardiac output, which is reflected in blood pressure changes. A drop in blood pressure to 90/48 indicates potential hemodynamic instability due to elevated pressures affecting circulation, making this the most significant finding.
Option A, a PO2 of 88, suggests hypoxemia but does not directly indicate increased airway pressure. Option B, rales on auscultation, may indicate fluid overload or pulmonary edema rather than pressure changes. Option D, a decrease in spontaneous respirations, could result from sedation or ventilator settings, not necessarily from increased pressure.
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