A nurse is caring for a client with a medical diagnosis of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The client's assessment reveals a respiratory rate of 28/min, SpO2 at 90%, and complaints of mild dyspnea and anxiety at rest. What should the nurse include in the client's discharge teaching plan?
Use bronchodilators every 2 hours as needed.
Instructions on pursed-lip breathing.
Increase home oxygen from 3L/min to 5L/min as needed.
Use huff coughing to loosen secretions.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
Using bronchodilators every 2 hours as needed may not be appropriate for all clients. Bronchodilators are typically used on a schedule or as needed based on symptoms, but overuse can lead to tolerance and decreased effectiveness. The nurse should provide education on the proper use and timing of bronchodilators.
Choice B reason:
Pursed-lip breathing is a technique that helps control shortness of breath and improve ventilation. It can slow down the client's breathing, promote relaxation, and ensure more effective lung function. This technique is particularly beneficial during an acute exacerbation of COPD and should be included in the discharge teaching plan.
Choice C reason:
Increasing home oxygen without proper assessment can be dangerous. Oxygen therapy should be titrated based on the client's oxygen saturation and clinical status. Clients with COPD are at risk of CO2 retention, and too much oxygen can suppress their drive to breathe. The nurse should educate the client on monitoring their SpO2 and when to adjust oxygen levels, typically under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Choice D reason:
Huff coughing is a technique used to clear mucus from the airways. While it can be effective, it should be taught by a respiratory therapist or nurse who can assess the client's ability to perform the technique correctly. It is not the first-line teaching for a client being discharged with an acute exacerbation of COPD.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Ulnar deviation, which is the angling of the fingers towards the little finger side of the hand, is more commonly associated with rheumatoid arthritis, not osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis typically affects the joint's cartilage, leading to pain and stiffness, rather than causing the fingers to deviate.
Choice B reason:
Symmetric joint involvement is also more characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis usually affects joints asymmetrically, meaning it's more likely to affect one side of the body or one particular joint at a time.
Choice C reason:
Weight loss is not a direct manifestation of osteoarthritis. In fact, being overweight is a risk factor for developing osteoarthritis due to the increased stress on weight-bearing joints. However, weight management through diet and exercise can be part of the treatment plan for osteoarthritis to alleviate symptoms and improve joint function.
Choice D reason:
Joint stiffness and limited range of motion are hallmark manifestations of osteoarthritis. These symptoms result from the breakdown of cartilage within the joints, which leads to pain and difficulty moving the affected joint. Stiffness is often most noticeable upon waking or after periods of inactivity, and the range of motion may decrease as the condition progresses.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
A positive pregnancy test is crucial information that must be reported immediately as it has significant implications for the patient's health and treatment options. Pregnancy can impact the results of a Schilling's test, which is used to diagnose B12 deficiency anemia, as pregnancy itself can cause changes in B12 metabolism. Therefore, the healthcare provider must be informed to adjust the diagnostic approach and ensure the safety of both the mother and the developing fetus.
Choice B Reason:
While a hemoglobin level of 9.5 g/dL is below the normal range for adult females (11.6 to 15 g/dL) and a hematocrit of 32% is at the lower end of the normal range (36% to 44%)[^10^], these results are consistent with anemia but are not as immediately critical as a positive pregnancy test in the context of a Schilling's test.
Choice C Reason:
A glycosylated hemoglobin (A1c) level of 7.5% is above the normal range (4% to 5.9%), indicating poor blood sugar control over the past two to three months, which could suggest diabetes or prediabetes. However, this is not as urgent as a positive pregnancy test when considering the administration of a Schilling's test.
Choice D Reason:
A serum cholesterol level of 237 mg/dL is considered borderline high (200 to 239 mg/dL), which may increase the risk of heart disease over time. However, this does not require immediate reporting in the context of a Schilling's test for B12 deficiency anemia as compared to a positive pregnancy test.
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