A middle-aged client reports, "I can't get my breath when I walk." Upon assessment, the nurse notes that the patient has a barrel chest and is using his accessory muscles to breathe. The patient's respiratory rate is 28/min. On palpation, there is limited expansion and decreased tactile fremitus. Percussion yields hyperresonant sounds. On auscultation, prolonged expiration, scattered wheezes, and rhonchi are present. Which disorder would the nurse suspect?

Pneumonia.

Atelectasis.

Pleural effusion.

Emphysema.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A rationale:

Pneumonia is not likely to be the correct answer. Pneumonia is often characterized by productive cough, fever, chest pain, and increased tactile fremitus due to consolidation of lung tissue. The presence of barrel chest, decreased tactile fremitus, and hyperresonant percussion sounds is not consistent with pneumonia.

Choice B rationale:

Atelectasis is not the most likely option. Atelectasis refers to collapsed or partially collapsed lung tissue, which can lead to decreased breath sounds, dullness to percussion, and decreased tactile fremitus. The symptoms mentioned in the scenario, such as prolonged expiration, wheezes, and barrel chest, are not indicative of atelectasis.

Choice C rationale:

Pleural effusion is not the most suitable choice. Pleural effusion usually presents with decreased breath sounds, dullness to percussion, and decreased tactile fremitus over the affected area due to fluid accumulation in the pleural space. The hyperresonant percussion sounds and the presence of wheezes and rhonchi do not align with pleural effusion.

Choice D rationale:

Emphysema is the most likely disorder based on the given symptoms. Barrel chest (increased anterior-posterior chest diameter), limited lung expansion, decreased tactile fremitus, hyperresonant percussion sounds, prolonged expiration, wheezes, and rhonchi are characteristic findings of emphysema. This condition involves damage to the alveoli and their supporting structures, leading to air trapping, reduced lung elasticity, and obstructed airflow. The patient's use of accessory muscles to breathe further suggests a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) like emphysema.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Cranberry juice causing bad breath is not a well-known side effect or outcome associated with its consumption. This information is not a commonly taught aspect of cranberry juice use.

Choice B rationale:

Bloating is not a common or widely recognized outcome of drinking cranberry juice. While cranberry juice might have some gastrointestinal effects, bloating is not a significant concern associated with its consumption.

Choice C rationale:

Informing the client that drinking cranberry juice daily can prevent recurrent urinary tract infections is accurate. Cranberry juice is often recommended for its potential to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections due to its anti-adhesive properties that may inhibit the adherence of bacteria to the urinary tract.

Choice D rationale:

Cranberry juice's effect on lowering cholesterol is not a well-established benefit of its consumption. Cholesterol management typically involves dietary changes, exercise, and sometimes medications, but cranberry juice is not a primary intervention for this purpose.

A. Ask the patient why this medication has been ordered. B. Verify with the hospital administration the reason for the medication. C. Verify with the prescribing healthcare provider the reason for the medication. D. Ask another nurse why the patient is getting this medication.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Asking the patient why this medication has been ordered is not the appropriate action because patients might not have accurate medical knowledge to provide a valid explanation for the prescription. The nurse should rely on healthcare professionals for accurate information.

Choice B rationale:

Verifying with the hospital administration is not necessary in this situation. The decision to prescribe medication is made by the healthcare provider, not the hospital administration.

Choice C rationale:

Verifying with the prescribing healthcare provider is the most appropriate action. The healthcare provider has the medical knowledge and rationale for prescribing a specific medication. This ensures that the nurse administers the medication safely and in alignment with the patient's condition and treatment plan.

Choice D rationale:

Asking another nurse might not yield accurate information about the rationale behind the medication order. It's best to directly communicate with the healthcare provider responsible for the patient's care.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A Medical-Surgical nurse is teaching a client about the uses of cranberry juice. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

While preparing to administer the patient's scheduled medications, the nurse does not understand why the client will be receiving one of the prescribed drugs. What action should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is teaching a client's spouse about how to obtain a blood pressure reading. Which of the following actions by the spouse indicates a need for further instruction?

A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a new prescription for home oxygen therapy via a nasal cannula. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching? (Select all that apply.).

The nurse in the trauma unit has received a report on a client who has multiple injuries following a motor vehicle crash. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take first?

A nurse is assessing a client who has hypoxia. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A nurse is examining the chest of a post-operative client. Upon palpation, the nurse notes a crackling sensation. Which of the following conditions would the nurse report to the provider?

A nurse is assessing a client's cardiovascular system. To palpate for unexpected pulsations in the pulmonic area, at which anatomical location should the nurse place her fingers?

A nurse notices an assistive personnel (AP) preparing to deliver a food tray to his client who practices the Orthodox Jewish faith. On the tray is a roast beef dinner with nonfat milk. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A Medical-Surgical nurse is assessing a client's circulatory system. Which of the following pulse sites should the nurse avoid assessing bilaterally at the same time?