A client suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) reports that it is hard to cough up secretions and the secretions are thick and sticky. Which intervention will the nurse use to promote respiratory hygiene in this situation?
Decrease fluid intake.
Take Tylenol for the secretions.
Range -of-motion exercises as tolerated
Increase fluid intake.
The Correct Answer is D
Explanation: In clients with COPD, the secretions tend to be thick and sticky, which makes it difficult to cough up and clear the airway. To promote respiratory hygiene in this situation, the nurse should recommend increasing fluid intake. Adequate hydration helps to thin the secretions, making them easier to expectorate. The client should aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water or other fluids per day unless there is a medical reason not to do so.
Decreasing fluid intake (option a) would make the secretions even thicker and more difficult to clear. Taking Tylenol for secretions (option b) is not a recommended intervention as Tylenol is not indicated for thinning of secretions. Range-of-motion exercises (option c) are important to prevent complications such as pneumonia, but they are not directly related to promoting respiratory hygiene in this situation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Hyponatremia is a condition where the sodium levels in the blood are abnormally low. It can cause confusion, seizures, and even coma in severe cases. The IV fluids hanging are 0.33% NaCI, which means they have a low sodium concentration, and may be contributing to the patient's hyponatremia.
Given that the patient is becoming increasingly confused, it is important to assess his mental status and monitor him closely to prevent harm. However, restraining the patient should not be the first course of action. Instead, the nurse should focus on identifying the underlying cause of the hyponatremia and taking appropriate steps to address it.
Therefore, the next step would be to get an order for additional lab work to assess the patient's electrolyte levels and identify the cause of the hyponatremia. This will help to guide further treatment and management decisions for the patient.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia, and diuretics are often used in the management of patients with this condition to help control fluid balance. However, diuretics can cause electrolyte imbalances, especially hypokalaemia (low potassium levels), which can lead to muscle cramps and other complications.
A Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP) is a blood test that measures various electrolytes, glucose, and other important components. Among the options given, the most likely lab value to be abnormal in Patient MK's case is a low level of potassium (K+), which is consistent with her symptoms and diuretic use. Option d, K+ -
-
- mEq/L, is the correct option as it represents a low level of potassium, which is defined as a value less than 3.5 mEq/L.
Option a, Mg2 – 20 mEq/L, represents high magnesium levels, which are not typically associated with diuretic use or muscle cramps. Option b, Na+ - 123 mEq/L, represents low sodium levels, which are less likely to occur with diuretic use, and are typically associated with other conditions. Option c, Ca2 – 10.0 mg/dl, represents normal calcium levels and is not typically affected by diuretic use.
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