A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and has developed atelectasis.
Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Facial flushing.
Dry cough.
Decreasing respiratory rate.
Increasing dyspnea.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Facial flushing. Facial flushing is not typically associated with atelectasis. Atelectasis is the collapse of a portion of the lung, which can lead to decreased oxygenation and respiratory distress but does not directly cause facial flushing. Flushing may be related to other factors such as fever or allergic reactions.
Choice B rationale:
Dry cough. A dry cough can be a common symptom of atelectasis. As the lung tissue collapses and airways become obstructed, it can lead to irritation and a dry, non-productive cough as the body attempts to clear the airway. So, a dry cough is an expected finding in a client with atelectasis.
Choice C rationale:
Decreasing respiratory rate. A decreasing respiratory rate is not typically associated with atelectasis. In fact, atelectasis often leads to an increased respiratory rate as the body tries to compensate for the reduced oxygen exchange. The patient may experience tachypnea (rapid breathing) as a result.
Choice D rationale:
Increasing dyspnea. Increasing dyspnea is a common and expected finding in a client with atelectasis. As lung tissue collapses and oxygen exchange is compromised, the patient will likely experience worsening shortness of breath. This is a concerning symptom and should be closely monitored, as it may indicate a need for intervention to improve lung expansion and oxygenation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Crackles in lung bases Crackles in the lung bases are often indicative of fluid accumulation in the lungs, which can occur in conditions like heart failure. These crackles are discontinuous and sound like "fine rales.”. They can be heard during inspiration and expiration.
Choice B rationale:
Periorbital edema Periorbital edema, or swelling around the eyes, can be a sign of fluid volume overload, especially in the context of an older adult receiving IV therapy. It suggests that excess fluid is accumulating in the body.
Choice D rationale:
Bounding radial pulse A bounding radial pulse is a sign of increased stroke volume and can occur when the heart is working harder to pump the increased blood volume associated with fluid overload.
Choice C rationale:
Swelling at the IV site Swelling at the IV site can be a local reaction and may not necessarily indicate fluid volume overload unless it is associated with other systemic signs.
Choice E rationale:
Flat neck veins when supine Flat neck veins when the client is supine are not typically associated with fluid volume overload. In fact, flat neck veins are more characteristic of hypovolemia. Now, let's address the final question.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Checking the client's blood pressure is not the priority action when administering digoxin. Although monitoring blood pressure is essential in the overall care of a client with heart failure, the most critical parameter to assess before administering digoxin is the client's apical pulse.
Choice B rationale:
Measuring the client's apical pulse is the correct action to take before administering digoxin. Digoxin is a medication commonly prescribed for heart failure, and it has a narrow therapeutic range. It primarily works by increasing the force of the heart's contractions, and an excessively low heart rate (bradycardia) is a potential side effect of digoxin. Therefore, it is crucial to assess the client's apical pulse to ensure it is within the recommended range (usually above 60 beats per minute) before administering the medication. If the pulse rate is below the recommended range, the nurse should withhold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider.
Choice C rationale:
Offering the client a light snack is not a necessary action before administering digoxin. While it is important to consider the client's dietary needs, it is not directly related to the administration of digoxin. However, if the client has nausea or vomiting, which can be a side effect of digoxin, a light snack might be offered after the medication.
Choice D rationale:
Weighing the client is not the immediate action to take before administering digoxin. Although daily weights can be important for assessing fluid balance in clients with heart failure, it is not the priority before administering digoxin. Monitoring the client's apical pulse is the most critical step in this context.
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