A client with pneumonia who has an emergent episode of respiratory distress is intubated and transferred to the intensive care unit. The client's chest x-ray shows consolidation in the left lobe, and physical assessment reveals diminished lung sounds. The nurse administers acetylcysteine as prescribed per nebulization via endotracheal tube. Which therapeutic response of this medication should the nurse expect?

Bronchodilation and wheezing.

Unpleasant smell when using the medication.

Increased sputum, requiring suctioning.

Hypotension.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice C reason: Acetylcysteine is a mucolytic agent that breaks down mucus and makes it easier to cough up or suction out. This helps to clear the airways and improve oxygenation. The nurse should expect to see increased sputum production after administering acetylcysteine and provide frequent suctioning as needed.

Choice A reason: Bronchodilation and wheezing are not therapeutic responses of acetylcysteine, but rather possible adverse effects. Acetylcysteine can cause bronchospasm or bronchoconstriction in some clients, especially those with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The nurse should monitor the client's breath sounds and oxygen saturation and report any signs of respiratory distress.

Choice B reason: Unpleasant smell when using the medication is not a therapeutic response of acetylcysteine, but rather a common side effect. Acetylcysteine has a rotten egg odor that can be unpleasant for both the client and the nurse. The nurse can minimize this by using a mouthwash or a flavored lozenge before and after administering acetylcysteine.

Choice D reason: Hypotension is not a therapeutic response of acetylcysteine, but rather a rare but serious adverse effect. Acetylcysteine can cause vasodilation or hypovolemia in some clients, leading to low blood pressure and shock. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs and report any signs of hypotension.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Chest tube insertion is not indicated for respiratory depression caused by opioid overdose. It is a procedure used to treat pneumothorax, hemothorax, or pleural effusion.

Choice B reason: CPR is not the first-line intervention for respiratory depression. It is only indicated when the client has no pulse or signs of life.

Choice C reason: Glasgow Coma Scale score is a tool to assess the level of consciousness of a client. It is not an intervention that can reverse respiratory depression.

Choice D reason: Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that can reverse the effects of opioid overdose. It has a short half-life and may need to be repeated if the client's condition does not improve or worsens.

A. Monitor for signs of sodium and fluid retention. B. Wound and blood specimens for culture and sensitivity. C. Complete blood count and serum electrolytes. D. Irrigation and topical antibiotic application to wound area.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Monitoring for signs of sodium and fluid retention is not relevant to this situation, as broad spectrum antibiotics do not affect sodium or fluid balance. Sodium and fluid retention may be caused by other conditions such as heart failure, kidney disease, or liver disease.

Choice B reason: Obtaining wound and blood specimens for culture and sensitivity is most important before administering the first dose of a broad spectrum antibiotic, as this can help identify the specific type and strain of bacteria causing the infection and determine which antibiotic is most effective against it. Broad spectrum antibiotics are effective against a wide range of bacteria, but they may also kill beneficial bacteria and increase the risk of resistance or superinfection.

Choice C reason: Obtaining a complete blood count and serum electrolytes is not necessary before administering the first dose of a broad spectrum antibiotic, as these tests do not provide information about the type or severity of infection. A complete blood count may show an elevated white blood cell count or other changes in response to infection, but it does not identify the causative organism. Serum electrolytes may show abnormalities due to dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, or other factors, but they do not indicate infection.

Choice D reason: Performing irrigation and topical antibiotic application to wound area is not sufficient before administering the first dose of a broad spectrum antibiotic, as this may not reach all sites of infection or eradicate all bacteria. Irrigation and topical antibiotic application may help clean and prevent further contamination of wound area, but they do not replace systemic antibiotic therapy.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse administers naloxone to a client with opioid-induced respiratory depression. One hour later, nursing assessment reveals that the client has a respiratory rate of 4 breaths/minute, oxygen saturation of 75%, and is unable to be aroused. Which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

On admission, the healthcare provider prescribes a broad spectrum antibiotic for a client with a gram-negative infection. Before administering the first dose, it is most important for the nurse to implement which prescription?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The healthcare provider prescribes the antibiotic tetracycline HCl for an adult client that arrived at an outpatient clinic. Which instruction should the nurse include in the teaching plan for this client?

After receiving five doses of filgrastim, the nurse notes that the client's white blood cell count has increased from 2,500/mm3 (2.5 x 109/L) to 5,000/mm3 (5 x 109/L). Which action should the nurse implement?

The nurse administers risedronate to a client with osteoporosis at 0700. The client asks for a glass of milk to drink with the medication. Which action should the nurse take?

While assessing a client who takes acetaminophen for chronic pain, the nurse observes that the client's skin looks yellow in color. Which action should the nurse take in response to this finding?

A female client with multiple sclerosis reports having less fatigue and improved memory since she began using the herbal supplement, ginkgo biloba. Which information is most important for the nurse to include in the teaching plan for this client?

A client with Parkinson's disease who is taking carbidopa/levodopa reports that urine appears to be darker in color. Which action should the nurse take?