A nurse is assessing a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which of the following findings would indicate the need for immediate intervention?
The client has a respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute.
The client has a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F).
The client has a blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg.
The client has a heart rate of 90 beats per minute.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
A respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute indicates tachypnea, which is a sign of respiratory distress. Immediate intervention is needed to address the underlying cause and prevent further deterioration of the patient’s condition.
Choice B rationale
A temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) indicates a fever, which may suggest an infection. While this requires medical attention, it is not as immediately critical as respiratory distress.
Choice C rationale
A blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg is considered high, but it does not indicate an immediate need for intervention in the context of COPD. Hypertension should be managed, but it is not an acute emergency.
Choice D rationale
A heart rate of 90 beats per minute is within the normal range and does not indicate an immediate need for intervention. Monitoring the patient’s heart rate is important, but it is not an urgent concern in this scenario.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The absence of burning epigastric pain after eating indicates that the treatment for peptic ulcer disease (PUD) secondary to H. pylori has been effective. This suggests that the ulcer has healed and the inflammation has subsided.
Choice B rationale
Coffee-ground emesis indicates the presence of blood in the vomit, which suggests ongoing bleeding and is not a sign of effective treatment for PUD.
Choice C rationale
A decrease in alcohol intake is beneficial for overall health but does not directly indicate the effectiveness of treatment for PUD secondary to H. pylori.
Choice D rationale
Normalization of hemoglobin levels is important but does not specifically indicate the effectiveness of treatment for PUD secondary to H. pylori. The primary indicator would be the resolution of symptoms such as burning epigastric pain.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Decreasing coronary artery constriction by giving aspirin is a primary objective in managing unstable angina. Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation, reducing the risk of clot formation and improving blood flow in the coronary arteries. This helps to alleviate chest pain and prevent myocardial infarction.
Choice B rationale
Increasing afterload for the left ventricle to maximize cardiac output is not a desirable objective in managing unstable angina. Increasing afterload would increase the workload on the heart, which is counterproductive in patients with angina. The goal is to reduce the heart’s workload and improve blood flow.
Choice C rationale
Increasing preload to reduce overall cardiac workload is not a primary objective in managing unstable angina. Increasing preload would increase the volume of blood returning to the heart, potentially worsening symptoms. The focus is on reducing myocardial oxygen demand and improving coronary perfusion.
Choice D rationale
Reducing arterial inflammation by administering statins is a long-term strategy for managing cardiovascular disease, but it is not the immediate objective in managing unstable angina.
Statins help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation, but the immediate goal in unstable angina is to relieve chest pain and prevent myocardial infarction.
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