A client is admitted with an exacerbation of heart failure secondary to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which observation(s) by the nurse require immediate intervention to reduce the likelihood of harm to this client? (Select all that apply.).

The client’s oxygen saturation level is 85%.

The client is eating less than half of meals

The client’s heart rate is 110 beats per minute.

The client is reading a book.

The client’s blood pressure is 160/90 mmHg.

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : A,C,E

The observation(s) by the nurse that require immediate intervention to reduce the likelihood of harm to this client are:

A. The client’s oxygen saturation level is 85%. This is a sign of hypoxemia, which can lead to tissue hypoxia, organ damage, and cardiac arrest. The nurse should administer oxygen therapy and monitor the client’s respiratory status closely.

C. The client’s heart rate is 110 beats per minute. This is a sign of tachycardia, which can indicate worsening heart failure, dehydration, infection, or anxiety. The nurse should assess the client’s fluid balance, vital signs, and symptoms and report any changes to the physician. The nurse should also administer medications as prescribed to control the heart rate and reduce the cardiac workload.

E. The client’s blood pressure is 160/90 mmHg. This is a sign of hypertension, which can increase the risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, and renal failure. The nurse should administer antihypertensive medications as prescribed and monitor the client’s blood pressure and urine output. The nurse should also educate the client on lifestyle modifications to lower blood pressure, such as reducing salt intake, exercising, and managing stress .

The other observations do not require immediate intervention, but they should be addressed as part of the comprehensive nursing care plan for the client with heart failure and COPD. These include:

B. The client is eating less than half of meals. This can indicate poor appetite, nausea, dyspnea, or fatigue, which can affect the client’s nutritional status and energy level. The nurse should encourage the client to eat small, frequent, and balanced meals that are low in sodium, fat, and cholesterol. The nurse should also provide oral hygiene and offer supplements or enteral feeding if needed .

D. The client is reading a book. This can indicate that the client is coping well with the condition and engaging in leisure activities that promote relaxation and mental health. The nurse should praise the client for this positive behavior and provide emotional support and counseling as needed. The nurse should also teach the client about the signs and symptoms of exacerbation and when to seek medical help .

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

This is the priority action by the practical nurse (PN) because it can help identify and prevent a potential adverse reaction to the medication. A client who is reaching saturation with medication means that the client has reached the maximum level of medication in the blood that can produce the desired therapeutic eﬀect. However, this also means that the client is at a higher risk of developing toxicity or side eﬀects from the medication. The PN should report the findings of muscle soreness, fatigue, and warm skin to the charge nurse, as these may indicate signs of inﬂammation, infection, or allergic reaction to the medication. The PN should also monitor the client's vital signs, oxygen saturation, and laboratory values, and document the findings. The charge nurse should notify the health care provider and adjust the medication dosage or regimen as ordered.

a) Administer a PRN dose of acetaminophen.

This is not the priority action by the PN because it does not address the underlying cause of the client's symptoms. Acetaminophen is an analgesic and antipyretic medication that can help reduce pain and fever. However, it does not treat inﬂammation, infection, or allergy, which may be the reasons for the client's muscle soreness, fatigue, and warm skin. The PN should administer a PRN dose of acetaminophen only after reporting the findings to the charge nurse and obtaining an order from the health care provider.

b) Encourage the client to drink ﬂuids.

This is not the priority action by the PN because it does not address the underlying cause of the client's symptoms. Drinking ﬂuids can help maintain hydration and electrolyte balance in the body, which are important for normal functioning of cells and organs. However, it does not treat inﬂammation, infection, or allergy, which may be the reasons for the client's muscle soreness, fatigue, and warm skin. The PN should encourage the client to drink ﬂuids only after reporting the findings to the charge nurse and obtaining an order from the health care provider.

d) Monitor the client's serum lipid levels.

This is not the priority action by the PN because it is not related to the client's symptoms. Serum lipid levels are measures of fats and cholesterol in the blood, which are important for energy production, hormone synthesis, and cell membrane structure. However, they are not related to inﬂammation, infection, or allergy, which may be the reasons for the client's muscle soreness, fatigue, and warm skin. The PN should monitor the client's serum lipid levels only if they are prescribed a medication that can aﬀect lipid metabolism, such as statins or fibrates.

A. Use a peak flow meter to assess the respiratory status. B. Administer a stat dose of corticosteroids. C. Document the normal finding in the client's health record. D. Repeat a dose of the client's rescue drug.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Use a peak flow meter to assess the respiratory status. Assessing the client's respiratory status using a peak flow meter is the most appropriate next action after administering albuterol, a bronchodilator. It helps determine the client's lung function and response to the medication. This information guides further interventions and treatment decisions.

Choice B rationale:

Administer a stat dose of corticosteroids. Administering corticosteroids may be indicated in some cases of respiratory distress or exacerbation of asthma. However, it should not be the immediate next step after albuterol administration. Assessing the client's response to albuterol through lung function testing (peak flow) is essential before deciding on additional medications.

Choice C rationale:

Document the normal finding in the client's health record. Documenting normal findings is important for maintaining accurate medical records, but in this case, it is premature. The nurse should first assess the client's response to albuterol and ensure that the respiratory status is indeed normal before documenting the findings.

Choice D rationale:

Repeat a dose of the client's rescue drug. Administering another dose of the rescue drug (albuterol) without assessing the client's response and lung function would not be the most appropriate action. It is essential to determine whether the initial dose was effective before considering additional doses or alternative treatments.

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A client is admitted with an exacerbation of heart failure secondary to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which observation(s) by the nurse require immediate intervention to reduce the likelihood of harm to this client? (Select all that apply.).

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client who is reaching saturation with medication reports the onset of muscle soreness and fatigue, and the practical nurse (PN) notes that the client's skin is warm to the touch. Which action by the PN is a priority?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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