A client with emphysema is reporting a difficulty in breathing and exhibiting an audible wheezing. The nurse administers albuterol as prescribed for the third time within the last 12 hours. Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?

Uncontrollable shaking.

Increased anxiety.

Irregular rapid heart rate.

Throat irritation.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A.   This could indicate tremors, which are a common side effect of albuterol due to its action as a beta-2 agonist. While it can be uncomfortable for the client, it is generally not life-threatening and can be monitored unless it severely affects the client’s ability to function.
B.   Increased anxiety can occur due to hypoxia, difficulty breathing, or as a side effect of albuterol. While concerning, it does not typically require immediate intervention unless it leads to further complications or severe distress.
C.   Albuterol can cause tachycardia (rapid heart rate) and arrhythmias as side effects, particularly with frequent use. An irregular rapid heart rate can be indicative of significant cardiac distress and may lead to serious complications. This finding warrants immediate intervention as it poses a risk to the client’s safety and may indicate potential worsening of the condition or an adverse reaction to the medication.
D.   Throat irritation can occur with inhaled medications and, while uncomfortable, it is generally not an urgent concern. It does not require immediate intervention unless it leads to significant complications like severe swelling or difficulty swallowing.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. While it's common for patients with COPD to have multiple inhalers (e.g., rescue inhalers), this statement does not clarify the timing or purpose. Tiotropium is a maintenance medication, and if the patient has a rescue inhaler (like albuterol), it should be used as needed for acute symptoms rather than between doses of tiotropium.
B. Tiotropium is a long-acting anticholinergic medication used for the management of COPD. It is designed for daily use, and patients should use it consistently to maintain bronchodilation. The HandiHaler device is specifically designed for this medication, and daily use is essential for effective management of COPD symptoms.
C. While tiotropium may help open airways and could potentially lead to less thick secretions over time, this statement does not directly reflect the purpose or understanding of how to use the medication. The client should focus on the daily use of the inhaler for bronchodilation rather than the immediate effects on sputum consistency.
D. This statement reflects a misunderstanding. Tiotropium is not a rescue inhaler; it is a long-acting medication that does not provide immediate relief for acute shortness of breath. A rescue inhaler, like albuterol, should be used in such situations.

A. Decreased cough and sputum. B. A positive sputum smear and culture. C. Decreased appetite and weight loss. D. Vertigo and tinnitus.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. This is a positive outcome that indicates improvement in respiratory symptoms associated with TB. As treatment is effective, the client should experience a reduction in cough and the amount of sputum produced, suggesting that the infection is responding to the medication.
B. A positive sputum smear and culture indicate that the TB bacteria are still present in the body. Therefore, this would not be an expected outcome if isoniazid is effective. In fact, a negative sputum smear and culture would be the desired outcome over time as the treatment progresses.
C. Decreased appetite and weight loss are common symptoms of active TB and would not indicate the effectiveness of isoniazid. Instead, the expectation would be for improved appetite and weight gain as the client begins to recover from the infection.
D. These symptoms are not related to the effectiveness of isoniazid and could indicate potential side effects or complications. While some clients may experience these symptoms, they are not expected outcomes of effective TB treatment.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A client with emphysema is reporting a difficulty in breathing and exhibiting an audible wheezing. The nurse administers albuterol as prescribed for the third time within the last 12 hours. Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is given a new prescription for tiotropium via an inhalation device. Which statement indicates that the client understands the instructions for using this medication?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The antitubercular drug isoniazid is prescribed for a client with active tuberculosis. To evaluate the effectiveness of this medication, which outcome can the nurse expect this client to exhibit?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client is recovering from the surgical removal of glass in the right eye. Which intervention should the nurse implement immediately following the procedure?

When performing postural drainage on a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which approach should the nurse use?

A client who is experiencing respiratory distress is admitted with respiratory acidosis. Which pathophysiological process supports the client's respiratory acidosis?

The nurse is planning care for a client with a direct (sliding) hiatal hernia. Nursing actions should be planned to meet which goal?

A client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) receives a new prescription for an ipratropium inhaler. Which action indicates to the nurse that additional teaching is needed?

While changing a client's postoperative dressing, the nurse observes purulent drainage at the wound. Before reporting this finding to the healthcare provider, the nurse should note which of the client's laboratory values?

A client with cholelithiasis has a gallstone lodged in the common bile duct and unable to eat or drink without becoming nauseated and vomiting. Which finding should the nurse report to the healthcare provider?