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.
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 .
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Assigning a client who is one day postoperative for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy to the practical nurse (PN) is appropriate. This procedure is minimally invasive, and the client is likely stable, requiring routine postoperative care such as wound assessment, pain management, and monitoring for any signs of complications.
Choice B rationale:
An older client who is one day postoperative with a colostomy for colon cancer may have complex postoperative needs, including colostomy care, monitoring for complications, and pain management. This level of care is usually within the scope of the registered nurse (RN) rather than a practical nurse (PN).
Choice C rationale:
An older adult who is scheduled for foot amputation due to diabetes complications is likely to have complex care needs, including wound care, diabetes management, and potential complications. This client would require the expertise of an RN rather than a PN.
Choice D rationale:
An adult with alcoholism, cirrhosis, and hepatic encephalopathy may have complex medical and psychosocial issues that require specialized nursing care. This client's condition is not appropriate for a practical nurse (PN) to manage, and the care should be provided by an RN or other specialized healthcare provider.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
This statement is incorrect. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is typically more severe than dysthymia and is characterized by recurrent episodes of severe depression lasting at least two weeks.
Choice B rationale:
This statement is incorrect. Dysthymia is not characterized by alternating episodes of mania and depression. It is a chronic, low-grade depressive disorder.
Choice C rationale:
This statement is incorrect. Dysthymia can impair social and occupational functioning, similar to MDD. Both conditions can have a significant impact on a person's daily life.
Choice D rationale:
This statement is accurate. Dysthymia is a chronic depressive disorder that lasts for at least two years but is generally less severe than MDD. It is characterized by persistent, milder symptoms of depression.
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