A 51-year-old male client with pneumonia has undergone several days of antibiotic and respiratory treatment. Given the following assessment findings, mark whether they indicate that the treatment was effective or ineffective:
PaCO2 55 mm Hg on a blood gas
Rhonchi in the right lung
Oxygen saturation greater than 94%
Client ambulates without shortness of breath
Correct Answer : C,D
Choice A rationale:
PaCO2 55 mm Hg on a blood gas indicates ineffective treatment. Normal PaCO2 levels range from 35-45 mm Hg.
Elevated PaCO2 (hypercapnia) suggests that the lungs are not effectively removing carbon dioxide from the body. This can be due to various factors, including:
Incomplete resolution of pneumonia Airway obstruction
Impaired respiratory muscle function
Choice B rationale:
Rhonchi in the right lung indicates ineffective treatment.
Rhonchi are coarse, rattling sounds heard in the lungs during auscultation.
They are often associated with mucus accumulation in the airways, which can occur in pneumonia.
The presence of rhonchi suggests that inflammation and mucus production persist, despite antibiotic and respiratory therapy.
Choice C rationale:
Oxygen saturation greater than 94% indicates effective treatment. Normal oxygen saturation levels are typically 95% or higher.
A saturation of 94% or above suggests that the lungs are able to effectively oxygenate the blood. This is a positive sign that the pneumonia is responding to treatment.
Choice D rationale:
Client ambulates without shortness of breath indicates effective treatment. Shortness of breath (dyspnea) is a common symptom of pneumonia.
It occurs when the lungs are unable to provide enough oxygen to the body, leading to a feeling of breathlessness.
The ability to ambulate without shortness of breath suggests that the pneumonia has improved and that the lungs are functioning more effectively.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Colloidal oatmeal-based lotion: While colloidal oatmeal can soothe and moisturize dry, itchy skin, it does not have the anti- inflammatory properties necessary to effectively treat the underlying inflammation of psoriasis.
It may provide temporary relief of symptoms, but it won't address the root cause of the condition.
Choice B rationale:
Topical corticosteroids: These medications are the mainstay of treatment for psoriasis. They work by reducing inflammation and slowing the growth of skin cells.
Topical corticosteroids come in a variety of strengths and formulations, including creams, ointments, gels, lotions, and sprays. The choice of formulation will depend on the severity of the psoriasis, the location of the lesions, and the patient's preferences. Choice C rationale:
Topical analgesics: Topical analgesics, such as lidocaine or benzocaine, can help to relieve pain and itching associated with psoriasis.
However, they do not address the underlying inflammation and are not a long-term solution for managing the condition. They are typically used as adjunctive therapy, in conjunction with other psoriasis treatments.
Choice D rationale:
Topical antifungals: Topical antifungal medications are used to treat fungal infections, such as ringworm and athlete's foot. They are not effective in treating psoriasis, which is an autoimmune condition, not a fungal infection.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Checking the patient's temperature again is not a priority at this time. The patient's temperature is within the normal range, and there is no indication that it is the cause of the patient's hypoxia.
Focusing on temperature measurement could delay more crucial interventions to address the patient's breathing difficulty.
Choice B rationale:
While monitoring the patient's heart rate is important, it is not the most immediate priority in this situation. The patient's heart rate is elevated, but it is not dangerously high.
The elevated heart rate is likely a compensatory response to the patient's low oxygen saturation. Addressing the underlying cause of the hypoxia, which is likely respiratory in nature, will also help to stabilize the heart rate.
Choice C rationale:
Observing the patient's breathing is the most important action the nurse can take at this time. The patient's respirations are rapid and shallow, indicating respiratory distress.
This is a serious condition that requires immediate intervention. By observing the patient's breathing, the nurse can assess the severity of the distress and determine the best course of action.
The nurse can observe for signs of increased work of breathing, such as use of accessory muscles, nasal flaring, and retractions. They can also auscultate the lungs to assess for any abnormal breath sounds, such as wheezing or crackles.
This information will help the nurse to determine the underlying cause of the respiratory distress and to initiate appropriate interventions, such as administering oxygen, positioning the patient, or calling for assistance from a respiratory therapist.
Choice D rationale:
Checking the patient's blood pressure is not a priority at this time. The patient's blood pressure is within the normal range. While it is important to monitor the patient's blood pressure, it is not the most immediate concern in this situation.
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