The nurse is caring for a client on a mechanical ventilator. The settings on the ventilator have just been changed, and the standing prescription is to draw arterial blood gases 30 minutes after a ventilator change. In anticipation of this blood draw, what intervention should the nurse implement?

Question

The nurse is caring for a client on a mechanical ventilator.  The settings on the ventilator have just been changed, and the standing prescription is to draw arterial blood gases 30 minutes after a ventilator change.  In anticipation of this blood draw, what intervention should the nurse implement?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Arterial blood gases (ABGs) indicate the acid-base balance in the body and how well oxygen is being carried to the tissues. It is common to measure ABGs after a ventilator change to assess how well the client has tolerated it. Factors such as changes in the client's activity level or oxygen settings, or suctioning within 20 minutes prior to the blood draw can cause inaccurate results. Unless the client's condition dictates otherwise, the nurse should avoid suctioning as it will deplete the client's oxygen level and cause inaccurate test results. (Option B) Pre-oxygenation should occur prior to suctioning and possibly before position changes. It will affect ABG results. (Option C) The head of the bed should be maintained at 30 degrees or higher in an intubated client to prevent aspiration and allow for adequate chest expansion. This position will not affect ABG results. (Option D) If a client is being weaned from the ventilator, sedation may be reduced. A client with reduced sedation may become anxious and have an increased activity level; these could affect the ABG results. Educational objective: If the client's condition allows, the nurse should avoid suctioning or changing activity or oxygenation levels prior to drawing of ABGs. These actions can result in inaccurate ABG results.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client on a Mechanical