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 B

Explanation

The correct answer is: d. Protective. Protective precautions are crucial for clients who have had an allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplant due to their severely weakened immune systems.

Choice A reason:

Airborne precautions are used for infections that spread through the air, such as tuberculosis and measles. These infections require special ventilation and respiratory protection, which is not the primary concern for stem-cell transplant patients.

Choice B reason:

Contact precautions are used for infections spread by direct contact, like MRSA or C. difficile. These precautions involve wearing gloves and gowns but do not address the airborne or droplet risks that immunocompromised patients face.

Choice C reason:

Droplet precautions are for infections spread by large respiratory droplets, such as influenza or pertussis. While important, they do not provide the comprehensive protection needed for stem-cell transplant recipients.

Choice D reason:

Protective precautions involve placing the patient in a room with HEPA filtration and limiting visitors to minimize infection risk. This is essential for patients with compromised immune systems, such as those who have undergone allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplants.

A. Toe. B. Earlobe. C. Skin fold. D. Finger.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Applying the pulse oximeter probe to the toe is not the most appropriate location. While toe measurements can be used, the fingers are more commonly used due to their accessibility and accuracy. Edema in the hands could affect the accuracy of readings.

Choice B rationale:

The nurse should apply the pulse oximeter probe to the earlobe. This choice is correct because the earlobe is a well-vascularized and easily accessible area that provides accurate oxygen saturation measurements. Thickened toenails and edema of the hands might compromise readings in those locations.

Choice C rationale:

Applying the pulse oximeter probe to a skin fold is not a recommended site for oxygen saturation measurement. While there are various sites where pulse oximeters can be applied, the earlobe and finger are more suitable due to their consistent blood flow and accessibility.

Choice D rationale:

While applying the pulse oximeter probe to the finger is a common and acceptable practice, in this scenario, edema of the hands could affect the accuracy of the readings. The earlobe is a better choice as it is less likely to be affected by edema and can provide accurate readings.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse in the Medical-Surgical unit is caring for a client who has had an allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplant. Which of the following infection-control precautions should the nurse use while caring for this client?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A Cardiovascular nurse is preparing to measure a client's level of oxygen saturation and observes edema of both hands and thickened toenails. The nurse should apply the pulse oximeter probe to which of the following locations?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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A nurse is reviewing unintentional and intentional torts. Which of the following clinical situations would the nurse identify as an example of assault?

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