A hospice nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing acute air hunger. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Circulate air using a fan.
Obtain ABGS.
Administer prednisone PO.
Place the client in a prone position.
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale:
A. Using a fan to circulate air can relieve the sensation of dyspnea or air hunger in hospice clients. The movement of air across the face stimulates airflow receptors and can reduce the subjective feeling of breathlessness. This nonpharmacologic intervention is safe, effective, and appropriate for comfort-focused care.
B. Arterial blood gases provide objective data about oxygenation and acid-base status, but in a hospice setting, the focus is comfort rather than invasive diagnostics. ABGs are not prioritized for immediate relief of air hunger.
C. Corticosteroids may be indicated for certain causes of dyspnea (e.g., airway inflammation, malignancy), but prednisone is not the first-line immediate intervention for acute air hunger and may take hours to have an effect.
D. Prone positioning is generally used in acute respiratory distress (e.g., ARDS in ICU settings) to improve oxygenation. For a hospice client with acute air hunger, upright or semi-Fowler’s positions are preferred because they facilitate lung expansion and ease breathing.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Inactivated poliovirus is incorrect because polio is now extremely rare in most countries due to widespread childhood immunization. Adults are typically vaccinated only if they have never received a full childhood series or are traveling to regions where polio remains endemic. Routine vaccination for older adults is not indicated.
B. Zoster is correct because older adults are at increased risk for herpes zoster (shingles) due to age-related decline in cell-mediated immunity. The CDC recommends the recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix) for adults aged 50 years and older, administered in two doses, to prevent shingles and postherpetic neuralgia, which can cause chronic pain and significantly impact quality of life. This vaccine is a key component of healthy aging and preventive care.
C. Rotavirus is incorrect because rotavirus primarily affects infants and young children, causing severe gastroenteritis. Vaccination is not recommended for adults, as most have already developed immunity from prior infection or childhood vaccination.
D. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is incorrect because HPV vaccination is targeted toward preteens, adolescents, and young adults to prevent cervical, anal, and other HPV-related cancers. It has limited benefit for older adults who have likely already been exposed to HPV.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Dandruff shampoo does not kill lice or nits effectively. High heat from a hair dryer is not a reliable or recommended method for lice eradication and may cause burns or scalp irritation.
B. This is a natural remedy sometimes used to suffocate lice. It is applied generously to the hair and scalp, covered with a shower cap for several hours, and then washed out. While not as consistently effective as pediculicides, it aligns with the guardian’s preference for nonchemical, natural treatment.
C. While cleaning personal items is important to prevent reinfestation, this action alone does not treat the lice on the child’s scalp. It is a supportive measure rather than a primary treatment.
D. Combing with a fine-tooth (nit) comb is an effective adjunctive method, especially after treatment, but it is time-consuming and typically used in combination with another treatment. It may not be sufficient alone to eliminate lice entirely.
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