A nurse is caring for a client who has COPD. The nurse should identify that which of the following findings is the priority to report?
Hgb 20 g/dL
Oxygen saturation 92%
Productive cough with green sputum
Chest x-ray shows hyperinflation of lungs
The Correct Answer is A
Answer: A
Rationale:
A) Hgb 20 g/dL:
A hemoglobin level of 20 g/dL is elevated and suggests polycythemia, which can occur in chronic respiratory conditions like COPD due to chronic hypoxia. Elevated hemoglobin levels can increase blood viscosity, leading to complications such as increased risk of thrombosis and cardiovascular stress. This finding indicates a potentially serious issue and should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately to address any underlying causes and manage the client's condition effectively.
B) Oxygen saturation 92%:
An oxygen saturation of 92% is slightly below the typical normal range (95-100%) but is not immediately life-threatening. While it indicates mild hypoxemia, it is a common finding in COPD patients, and the management would typically involve supplemental oxygen or adjustment of therapy. This finding should be monitored but is not the most critical issue to report immediately.
C) Productive cough with green sputum:
A productive cough with green sputum suggests a possible infection or exacerbation of COPD. Although this is an important finding that requires evaluation and possible treatment, it is less critical than an elevated hemoglobin level, which indicates a more acute systemic issue. The green sputum should be reported and managed, but it is not the priority compared to the elevated hemoglobin.
D) Chest x-ray shows hyperinflation of lungs:
Hyperinflation of the lungs is a common radiological finding in COPD due to air trapping. While it is a significant finding, it is generally consistent with the disease's progression and does not indicate an acute problem requiring immediate intervention. Monitoring and managing the underlying COPD are necessary, but this finding is less urgent than the elevated hemoglobin.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
b. "Everyone who lives in the home will need medication."
The nurse should inform the guardian that everyone who lives in the home will need medication when reinforcing teaching about enterobiasis. Enterobiasis, also known as pinworm infection, is highly contagious, and it can easily spread from person to person within the household. Treating only the affected individual may not be sufficient to eliminate the infection completely, as other household members may also be infected or at risk of reinfection.
Explanation for the other options:
a. "One dose of medication is all that will be necessary." Enterobiasis is typically treated with a medication regimen that involves taking multiple doses over a period of time. This is to ensure that all stages of the pinworm life cycle are targeted and eradicated. A single dose is usually not sufficient to eliminate the infection completely.
c. "Allow the child to take tub baths instead of showers." The choice of tub baths or showers does not directly impact the treatment or prevention of enterobiasis. Both methods of bathing can be used, but it is important to maintain good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing and proper cleaning of the perianal area, to reduce the risk of reinfection.
d. "Wash all clothes and bed linens in cold water." While proper hygiene practices and laundering of clothes and bed linens are important in preventing the spread of enterobiasis, using cold water alone may not be sufficient. Washing clothes and bed linens in hot water (at a temperature of at least 60°C or 140°F) is recommended to kill any pinworm eggs that may be present.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is a. Call EMS if a seizure lasts 5 minutes or more.
Explanation:
When providing home care instructions for a child with a seizure disorder, it is important to educate the parents about appropriate actions during a seizure. Calling emergency medical services (EMS) if a seizure lasts 5 minutes or more is crucial because it may indicate a condition called status epilepticus, which is a prolonged seizure or a series of seizures without full recovery of consciousness between them. Status epilepticus is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical intervention.
Option b, restraining the child at the onset of a seizure, is not recommended. Restraint can potentially cause harm to the child and increase the risk of injury. It is advised to create a safe environment by removing any nearby objects that could cause injury and placing a pillow or cushion under the child's head to prevent head injury.
Option c, offering the child a bubble bath every evening, is not specifically related to seizure management. Bathing routines can be continued as long as they are safe and supervised. However, it is important to ensure the child's safety during bathing, such as providing adequate supervision to prevent drowning or injury.
Option d, placing the child in a prone position during a seizure, is not recommended. Placing the child in a prone position (face down) during a seizure can obstruct the airway and increase the risk of respiratory complications. The child should be placed on their side, in a recovery position, to facilitate drainage of saliva or other fluids and prevent choking.
Overall, the most important instruction for the parents is to recognize the signs of prolonged seizure activity and to seek immediate medical assistance by calling EMS if a seizure lasts 5 minutes or more.
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