A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with left lower lobe pneumonia who experiences pain when coughing. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Limit ambulation to avoid fatigue associated with coughing.

Administer pain medication every two hours.

Encourage holding the chest with a pillow or hands.

Teach pursed-lip breathing technique and deep breathing.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason:
Limiting ambulation is not typically recommended as part of the management for pneumonia. While rest is important, some movement is beneficial for preventing complications such as deep vein thrombosis. Ambulation should be encouraged as tolerated to promote circulation and prevent stasis of secretions.

Choice B reason:
Administering pain medication every two hours may not be necessary and could lead to overmedication. Pain management should be based on the client's reported pain levels and response to medication, with adjustments made as needed for effective relief.

Choice C reason:
Encouraging the client to hold their chest with a pillow or hands, known as splinting, can help reduce the pain experienced during coughing by providing support and stabilizing the chest wall. This technique is a non-pharmacological intervention that can effectively manage pain associated with coughing in pneumonia patients.

Choice D reason:
Teaching pursed-lip breathing and deep breathing techniques is beneficial for clients with respiratory conditions, including pneumonia. These techniques can help improve ventilation and oxygenation, but they are not specifically aimed at managing pain during coughing. However, they can be included as part of the overall respiratory care plan.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A Reason
A potassium level of 5.0 mEq/L is at the upper limit of the normal range, which is typically between 3.5 and 5.0 mEq/L. While this level should be monitored, especially in the context of diabetes where the patient may be at risk for hyperkalemia due to potential kidney issues, it is not immediately alarming¹.

Choice B Reason
A creatinine level of 4.4 mg/dL is significantly higher than the normal range of 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL for males and 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL for females. This indicates severe renal impairment or kidney failure, which is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus. Immediate intervention is required to address this critical issue¹.

Choice C Reason
A hemoglobin level of 10.7 g/dL is slightly below the normal range for adults, which is generally 13.8 to 17.2 g/dL for males and 12.1 to 15.1 g/dL for females. This could indicate mild anemia, which can be a complication of diabetes but is not as immediately concerning as a high creatinine level¹.

Choice D Reason
A Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) level of 22 mg/dL is within the normal range, which is typically between 7 and 20 mg/dL. This level does not indicate immediate concern and is not as critical as the elevated creatinine level¹.

A. Obesity B. The client drinks several glasses of beer every night. C. Use of a thiazide diuretic. D. Depression. E. Hypertension.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]

Explanation

Choice A reason:
Obesity is a significant risk factor for gout. It can lead to increased production and decreased excretion of uric acid, which in turn can cause gout attacks. The normal body mass index (BMI) range is 18.5 to 24.9, and a BMI of 30 or above is considered obese.

Choice B reason:
Regular consumption of beer can increase the risk of gout. Beer is high in purines, which the body breaks down into uric acid, and alcohol can reduce the excretion of uric acid by the kidneys. Moderation in alcohol consumption is advised, with the recommendation being up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.

Choice C reason:
Thiazide diuretics are associated with an increased risk of gout. They can decrease the kidney's ability to remove uric acid from the body, leading to its accumulation. When prescribing thiazide diuretics, healthcare providers often monitor uric acid levels and consider alternative medications if the patient has a history of gout.

Choice D reason:
Depression is not directly identified as a risk factor for developing gout. However, some lifestyle factors associated with depression, such as poor diet and inactivity, could indirectly increase the risk.

Choice E reason:
Hypertension is a known risk factor for gout. High blood pressure can impair kidney function, which is responsible for excreting uric acid, thus leading to hyperuricemia and gout. The normal range for blood pressure is considered to be below 120/80 mmHg.

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A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with left lower lobe pneumonia who experiences pain when coughing. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?

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Correct Answer is D

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