A nurse is caring for a client who has an acute respiratory illness. For which of the following manifestations of an airway obstruction should the nurse monitor? (Select all that apply.)
Inspiratory stridor
Nausea
Retractions
Muscle tremors
Cyanosis
Correct Answer : A,C,E
A. Inspiratory stridor
Inspiratory stridor is a high-pitched, musical sound heard during inspiration that indicates partial obstruction of the upper airway. It is a characteristic sign of airway obstruction and requires immediate attention.
B. Nausea
Nausea is not a common manifestation of airway obstruction. It may be associated with other conditions such as gastrointestinal issues or medication side effects but is not directly related to airway obstruction.
C. Retractions
Retractions refer to visible sinking of the skin between the ribs and above the clavicles during inspiration, which indicates increased effort to breathe. Retractions can occur in response to airway obstruction, as the body attempts to overcome the resistance to breathing.
D. Muscle tremors
Muscle tremors are not specific manifestations of airway obstruction. Tremors may occur due to various reasons such as anxiety, electrolyte imbalances, or neurological conditions but are not typically associated with airway obstruction.
E. Cyanosis
Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes resulting from inadequate oxygenation of the blood. It can occur with airway obstruction as oxygen exchange is compromised. Cyanosis is a late sign of respiratory distress and requires immediate intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Inspiratory stridor
Inspiratory stridor is a high-pitched, musical sound heard during inspiration and is typically caused by turbulent airflow due to partial obstruction of the upper airway. It is commonly associated with conditions such as croup, epiglottitis, or anaphylaxis. While respiratory distress may occur in a pneumothorax, inspiratory stridor specifically suggests an upper airway obstruction rather than a pneumothorax.
B. Expiratory wheeze
Expiratory wheeze is a high-pitched, musical sound heard during expiration and is typically associated with conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or bronchiolitis. Wheezing occurs due to narrowing of the airways, leading to turbulent airflow during expiration. While a pneumothorax can cause respiratory distress, it is not typically associated with wheezing.
C. Absence of breath sounds
The absence of breath sounds over a particular area of the chest can indicate a pneumothorax. In a pneumothorax, air accumulates in the pleural space, causing partial or complete collapse of the lung and preventing it from making contact with the chest wall. This absence of breath sounds over the affected area is a classic finding in a pneumothorax and is crucial for its detection.
D. Coarse crackles
Coarse crackles are discontinuous, bubbling or popping sounds heard during inspiration and may be indicative of conditions such as pneumonia, pulmonary edema, or bronchiectasis. These crackles are typically heard when there is fluid or mucus in the airways. While a pneumothorax can cause respiratory distress, it does not typically produce crackles on auscultation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Assign health care personnel to nondirect care activities for 24 hr after developing influenza symptoms.
While it's important for healthcare personnel to stay home when they have influenza symptoms to prevent transmission to residents and coworkers, restricting them to nondirect care activities for only 24 hours may not be sufficient. Healthcare personnel with influenza symptoms should follow institutional policies regarding sick leave and clearance to return to work, which typically involve staying home until they are no longer contagious.
B. Place restrictions on visitation.
During an influenza outbreak in a long-term care facility, it's crucial to include interventions to prevent further spread of the virus. Placing restrictions on visitation helps reduce the risk of introducing the virus from outside sources into the facility. Visitors may inadvertently bring the influenza virus with them, potentially exposing vulnerable residents and staff members.
C. Implement airborne precautions for clients who have influenza.
Influenza is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets rather than through airborne transmission. Airborne precautions are not typically necessary for managing influenza in a long-term care facility. Standard precautions, including hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette, and use of personal protective equipment, are sufficient for preventing transmission.
D. Provide prophylactic antibiotics for clients who have been exposed to influenza.
Influenza is a viral infection and is not treated with antibiotics. Prophylactic antibiotics are not indicated for preventing influenza. Antiviral medications may be used for prophylaxis in certain high-risk individuals or in outbreak settings, but their use should be based on recommendations from public health authorities and healthcare providers, not blanket administration to all exposed individuals.
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