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 C
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice C.
Choice A rationale:
- While maintaining a distance of 3 feet can reduce the risk of direct contact transmission, it is not the most effective measure for contact isolation precautions.
- Contact isolation aims to prevent the spread of pathogens that can be transmitted through direct or indirect contact with the infected person or contaminated objects.
- A distance of 3 feet may not be sufficient to prevent transmission via droplets or fomites (inanimate objects that can harbor infectious agents).
Choice B rationale:
- Sterile gloves are not routinely required for contact isolation precautions.
- They are primarily used for sterile procedures or when there is a risk of exposure to blood or body fluids.
- For contact isolation, standard clean gloves are usually sufficient to protect against transmission via direct contact.
Choice C rationale:
- Leaving equipment that is used routinely in the client's room is a crucial part of contact isolation precautions.
- This practice prevents the spread of infection by minimizing the movement of potentially contaminated items outside of the isolation room.
- Equipment like stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, and thermometers should be dedicated to the client's use and not shared with other patients.
Choice D rationale:
- Negative-pressure airflow rooms are used for airborne isolation precautions, which are designed to prevent the spread of pathogens that can be transmitted through the air.
- Contact isolation does not specifically require a negative-pressure room, as the primary mode of transmission is through direct or indirect contact, not airborne particles.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
When a mother states that she should have her baby latch on to both the nipple and areola during breastfeeding, it demonstrates an understanding of the correct latch technique. A proper latch involves the baby taking in not just the nipple but also a portion of the surrounding areola. This ensures effective milk transfer and helps prevent nipple soreness or damage.
"My baby should breastfeed 5 to 10 minutes on each breast": This statement is not entirely accurate. It is important to understand that breastfeeding duration can vary among infants, and there is no fixed timeframe for how long a baby should breastfeed on each breast. Some infants
may nurse for shorter periods, while others may take longer. The focus should be on ensuring that the baby is effectively nursing and getting enough milk rather than adhering strictly to a specific time limit.
"I should keep my baby on a strict feeding schedule": This statement is incorrect. Breastfeeding on demand, also known as responsive feeding, is generally recommended for newborns.
Newborns should be fed whenever they show signs of hunger, such as rooting, sucking motions, or increased alertness. Strict feeding schedules can interfere with the baby's natural feeding cues and hinder milk supply establishment.
"I should not wake my baby during the night to breastfeed": This statement is not accurate, especially for a 5-day-old newborn. Newborns typically need frequent feeding, including during the night, to meet their nutritional needs and support proper growth and development. It is generally recommended to wake a sleeping newborn every 2-3 hours during the night to ensure adequate feeding and prevent excessive weight loss.
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