A home health nurse is visiting a client who has COPD and is receiving oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula.
The client tells the nurse she has been having difficulty breathing.
Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority at this time?
Have the client cough and expectorate secretions.
Instruct the client to use a pursed-lip breathing technique.
Increase the oxygen flow to 3 L/min.
Evaluate the client's respiratory status.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Having the client cough and expectorate secretions is a reasonable intervention for managing respiratory distress, but it is not the top priority. The nurse should first assess the client's overall respiratory status to determine the severity of the problem.
Choice B rationale:
Instructing the client to use a pursed-lip breathing technique is a helpful strategy to improve breathing in some cases. However, it should not be the top priority when a client is experiencing difficulty breathing. Assessment should come first.
Choice C rationale:
Increasing the oxygen flow to 3 L/min without a proper assessment is not advisable. It's essential to evaluate the client's respiratory status before making any adjustments to the oxygen therapy.
Choice D rationale:
"Evaluate the client's respiratory status" is the correct response. When a client with COPD and oxygen therapy reports difficulty breathing, the nurse's priority is to assess the client's respiratory status. This assessment will help determine the cause of the breathing difficulty and guide appropriate interventions. The nurse should also check the oxygen saturation levels, respiratory rate, and auscultate lung sounds to assess the severity of the issue.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Crackles in lung bases Crackles in the lung bases are often indicative of fluid accumulation in the lungs, which can occur in conditions like heart failure. These crackles are discontinuous and sound like "fine rales.”. They can be heard during inspiration and expiration.
Choice B rationale:
Periorbital edema Periorbital edema, or swelling around the eyes, can be a sign of fluid volume overload, especially in the context of an older adult receiving IV therapy. It suggests that excess fluid is accumulating in the body.
Choice D rationale:
Bounding radial pulse A bounding radial pulse is a sign of increased stroke volume and can occur when the heart is working harder to pump the increased blood volume associated with fluid overload.
Choice C rationale:
Swelling at the IV site Swelling at the IV site can be a local reaction and may not necessarily indicate fluid volume overload unless it is associated with other systemic signs.
Choice E rationale:
Flat neck veins when supine Flat neck veins when the client is supine are not typically associated with fluid volume overload. In fact, flat neck veins are more characteristic of hypovolemia. Now, let's address the final question.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Providing samples for sputum cultures every 6 weeks is not a necessary instruction for a client with pulmonary tuberculosis. Sputum cultures are typically performed at specific intervals to monitor the progress of treatment and assess for bacterial resistance. This information is essential for healthcare providers but not for the client's daily care and safety.
Choice B rationale:
Consuming alcohol in moderation while taking antituberculosis medications is not recommended. Alcohol can interact with these medications and reduce their effectiveness. It is essential to advise the client to avoid alcohol completely while on tuberculosis treatment to ensure the best possible outcome.
Choice C rationale:
Wearing a mask while out or around crowds of people is a crucial precaution to prevent the spread of tuberculosis, which is highly contagious. Tuberculosis is transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, making mask-wearing an effective measure to protect both the client and others. This instruction promotes the safety of the client and the community.
Choice D rationale:
Placing tissue soiled with respiratory secretions in a paper bag for later disposal is not a recommended practice. Infectious material should be properly disposed of in biohazard containers or bags designed for infectious waste. This instruction does not follow the standard safety protocols for managing infectious materials and is not in the best interest of the client's health.
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