Today’s NCLEX-RN® question of the day focuses on a patient whose breathing is being assisted by a machine that provides consistent automatic breaths. What is this process commonly referred to as? Can you figure it out?
The nurse is explaining to a patient’s caregiver that the patient’s breathing is being assisted by a machine that provides consistent automatic breaths. What is this process commonly referred to as?
A. Tracheostomy placement
B. Nebulized albuterol treatment
C. Mechanical ventilation
D. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) Scroll down for the correct answer!
The correct answer to today’s NCLEX-RN® Question is…
C. Mechanical ventilation
Rationale: After intubation with an endotracheal (ET) tube, the ET tube can be attached to a mechanical ventilator to deliver oxygen and breaths to a client, called mechanical ventilation.
Major Takeaway
After a client is intubated, the endotracheal (ET) tube can be attached to a mechanical ventilator to deliver oxygen and breaths to the client. This allows the client’s respiratory muscles to rest and promotes healing and recovery. Mechanical ventilation can be used in the short-term, like during surgery, or long-term, like in patients with respiratory failure or airway obstruction.
Incorrect answer explanations
A. Tracheostomy placement
Rationale: A tracheotomy is an opening created at the front of a client’s neck so a tracheostomy tube can be inserted into their trachea to assist them with breathing. Although the tracheostomy tube can be connected to a machine to give breaths, this is not always the case.
B. Nebulized albuterol treatment
Rationale: A nebulized albuterol treatment refers to the administration of an aerosolized bronchodilator via particles to a client through a mask. Although a client whose breathing is being assisted by a machine that provides consistent automatic breaths can have a nebulized albuterol treatment, this term does not describe the process indicated in the stem.
D. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
Rationale: CPAP therapy is a common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea where a tube connected to a mask or nose-piece is used to deliver constant and consistent air pressure to help clients maintain a patent airway.
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