A nurse is caring for a client who is complaining of thick respiratory secretions that are difficult to clear. What should the nurse encourage the client to do to help clear those secretions?

Encourage the patient to drink more fluids.

Get a prescription for an antitussive agent.

Teach effective deep breathing.

Change the patient’s position every 2 hours.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: Encouraging the patient to drink more fluids is a primary intervention for managing thick respiratory secretions. Adequate hydration helps to thin the mucus, making it easier to expectorate. Fluids such as water, herbal teas, and clear broths are particularly effective. The normal daily fluid intake for an adult is about 2-3 liters, depending on individual needs and health conditions.

Choice B reason: Getting a prescription for an antitussive agent is not the best initial approach for managing thick respiratory secretions. Antitussive agents are used to suppress coughing, which can be counterproductive when trying to clear mucus from the respiratory tract. Instead, expectorants or mucolytics are more appropriate as they help to thin and loosen the mucus.

Choice C reason: Teaching effective deep breathing is beneficial for overall lung health and can help in mobilizing secretions. However, it is not as immediately effective as increasing fluid intake for thinning thick secretions. Deep breathing exercises can be part of a comprehensive respiratory care plan but should be combined with other interventions like hydration.

Choice D reason: Changing the patient’s position every 2 hours is a good practice for preventing complications such as pressure ulcers and promoting lung expansion. However, it is not specifically targeted at thinning thick respiratory secretions. Positional changes can aid in the drainage of secretions but are secondary to ensuring adequate hydration.

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Correct Answer is ["A","D"]

Explanation

Choice A Reason:

Date of birth is an acceptable client identifier. The Joint Commission specifies that using the date of birth helps ensure accurate identification of the client. This identifier is unique to each individual and is less likely to be duplicated.

Choice B Reason:

Photograph identification is not typically listed as an acceptable identifier by the Joint Commission. While it can be useful in some settings, it is not one of the primary identifiers recommended for ensuring patient safety.

Choice C Reason:

Facility room number is not an acceptable client identifier. The Joint Commission explicitly states that room numbers should not be used as identifiers because they can change and are not unique to the individual.

Choice D Reason:

Client’s full name is an acceptable client identifier. Using the full name helps to accurately identify the client and match them with their medical records and treatment plans.

A. Metabolic acidosis B. Respiratory acidosis C. Respiratory alkalosis D. Metabolic alkalosis

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decrease in blood pH due to an accumulation of acids or a loss of bicarbonate. It can result from conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis, renal failure, or severe diarrhea. However, it is not typically associated with opioid overdose. Opioid overdose primarily affects the respiratory system, leading to hypoventilation and respiratory acidosis.

Choice B reason: Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is an accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood due to hypoventilation. Opioid overdose depresses the central nervous system, leading to decreased respiratory rate and depth, which causes CO2 retention. This results in a decrease in blood pH, leading to respiratory acidosis. Symptoms may include confusion, lethargy, and shortness of breath.

Choice C reason: Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a decrease in blood CO2 levels due to hyperventilation. It can occur in conditions such as anxiety, fever, or high altitude. Opioid overdose, however, causes hypoventilation rather than hyperventilation, making respiratory alkalosis an unlikely outcome.

Choice D reason: Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an increase in blood pH due to an accumulation of bicarbonate or a loss of acids. It can result from conditions such as prolonged vomiting, diuretic use, or excessive bicarbonate intake. Opioid overdose does not typically lead to metabolic alkalosis. The primary concern with opioid overdose is respiratory depression and the resulting respiratory acidosis.

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A nurse is caring for a client who is complaining of thick respiratory secretions that are difficult to clear. What should the nurse encourage the client to do to help clear those secretions?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is preparing to administer oral medications to a client. According to the Joint Commission, which are acceptable client identifiers? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["A","D"]

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client with an opioid overdose. The nurse should identify the client is at risk for which acid-base imbalance?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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