A nurse is caring for a client 1 day postoperative who has developed atelectasis. Which of the following manifestations is an expected finding for this condition?
Hypoxemia
Apnea
Pleural effusion
Dysphagia
The Correct Answer is A
A) Hypoxemia:
This is the correct answer. Atelectasis, which is the collapse or incomplete inflation of the lung, can lead to impaired gas exchange and subsequent hypoxemia. As lung volume decreases due to collapse, ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) mismatch occurs, resulting in decreased oxygenation of arterial blood. Hypoxemia is a common finding in individuals with atelectasis and may manifest as decreased oxygen saturation levels on pulse oximetry or arterial blood gas analysis.
B) Apnea:
Apnea, defined as the cessation of breathing, is not typically associated with atelectasis. While atelectasis can contribute to respiratory compromise and may result in respiratory distress, including tachypnea or increased work of breathing, it does not usually lead to complete cessation of breathing.
C) Pleural effusion:
A pleural effusion is the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space surrounding the lungs. While pleural effusion may occur concurrently with atelectasis, it is not an expected finding specifically associated with atelectasis itself. Pleural effusion may cause respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea or chest pain but is not a primary manifestation of atelectasis.
D) Dysphagia:
Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is unrelated to atelectasis. While dysphagia can occur as a result of various conditions affecting the esophagus or neurological control of swallowing, it is not a typical manifestation of atelectasis. Atelectasis primarily affects the lungs and respiratory function rather than swallowing function.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Bicarbonate:
While bicarbonate levels may be relevant in some cases, they are not typically a primary consideration before administering furosemide. Furosemide primarily affects electrolyte balance, particularly potassium and sodium, rather than bicarbonate levels.
B) Potassium:
This is the correct answer. Before administering furosemide, it is essential to review the client's potassium levels because furosemide is a loop diuretic that can lead to potassium depletion. Monitoring potassium levels helps prevent hypokalemia, which can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias and other complications, especially in clients with heart failure.
C) Phosphate:
Phosphate levels are not typically a primary concern before administering furosemide. Furosemide primarily affects sodium and potassium levels rather than phosphate levels.
D) Carbon dioxide:
Carbon dioxide levels are not typically a primary consideration before administering furosemide. Furosemide primarily affects electrolyte balance rather than carbon dioxide levels.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Temperature and respiratory rate:
While monitoring temperature and respiratory rate are important aspects of a comprehensive assessment, they are not the priority assessments before administering metoprolol. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker primarily used to lower heart rate and blood pressure, so assessing the client's heart rate and blood pressure is more relevant.
B) Heart rate and blood pressure:
This is the correct answer. Before administering metoprolol, it is essential to assess the client's heart rate and blood pressure. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker medication that primarily affects heart rate and blood pressure. Monitoring these vital signs helps ensure that the medication is administered safely and effectively.
C) Level of consciousness and pain level:
Assessing the client's level of consciousness and pain level are important aspects of nursing care, but they are not the priority assessments before administering metoprolol. These assessments may be relevant depending on the client's overall condition and specific care needs, but they are not directly related to the action or side effects of metoprolol.
D) Oxygen saturation and respiratory rate:
Monitoring oxygen saturation and respiratory rate are important aspects of respiratory assessment, but they are not the priority assessments before administering metoprolol. While metoprolol can affect respiratory function as a potential side effect, its primary action is on heart rate and blood pressure. Therefore, assessing heart rate and blood pressure are more pertinent before administering this medication.
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