A nurse is instructing a school-age child who has asthma about the use of a peak expiratory flow meter.
Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
Maintain a semi-Fowler’s position during testing
Place tongue on the mouthpiece of the meter
Blow into the meter as hard and quickly as possible
Record the average of the readings
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is choice C. Blow into the meter as hard and quickly as possible.
This is because a peak flow meter measures how fast you can push air out of your lungs when you blow out as hard and as fast as you can.
This is called peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) or peak expiratory flow (PEF). It shows how open the airways are in the lungs and can help detect early signs of worsening asthma.
Choice A is wrong because maintaining a semi-Fowler’s position during testing is not necessary. You can sit or stand up straight, but make sure you do it the same way each time.
Choice B is wrong because placing tongue on the mouthpiece of the meter can block the air flow and affect the accuracy of the measurement. You should close your lips tightly on the mouthpiece instead.
Choice D is wrong because recording the average of the readings is not recommended.
You should record the highest of the three readings on a sheet of paper, calendar or in your asthma diary. This is your daily peak flow.
Normal ranges for peak flow vary depending on age, height, gender and race. You can use a chart or calculator to find out your predicted normal peak flow based on these factors. However, it is more important to find out your personal best peak flow by performing peak flow testing twice a day for two weeks when your asthma is under good control. Your personal best peak flow will be used to create your asthma action plan with your healthcare provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. Apply direct pressure to the puncture site.
Choice A rationale:
Applying intermittent pressure 2.5 cm (1 inch) below the percutaneous skin site is not the best approach. This method may not effectively control the bleeding and could potentially dislodge the introducer sheath.
Choice B rationale:
Applying direct pressure to the puncture site is the most effective way to control bleeding. Direct pressure helps to promote clot formation and reduce blood flow to the area, which is crucial in managing postoperative bleeding.
Choice C rationale:
Elevating the affected extremity above the level of the heart is not appropriate in this situation. While elevation can reduce swelling, it does not address the immediate need to control active bleeding.
Choice D rationale:
Leaving the dressing undisturbed and notifying the physician immediately is not advisable. Immediate action to control the bleeding is necessary before notifying the physician. Delaying intervention could lead to significant blood loss.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
"Plan to take this medication with food." Is the correct statement. When providing instructions to an older adult client who has a seizure disorder and is prescribed phenytoin (an antiepileptic or anticonvulsant medication), the nurse should advise the client to take the medication with food. Phenytoin can cause gastrointestinal irritation, and taking it with food can help minimize this side effect.
Choice B reason:
"Plan to take this medication with antacids. “is not the appropriate instruction. Phenytoin should not be taken with antacids. Antacids can reduce the absorption of phenytoin, leading to decreased effectiveness of the medication. If antacids are needed for other reasons, they should be taken at least 2 hours before or after taking phenytoin.
Choice C reason:
"Limit foods that contain vitamin D while taking this medication. “This is not inappropriate instruction. There is no specific requirement to limit foods containing vitamin D while taking phenytoin. However, phenytoin may decrease the absorption of vitamin D, which could potentially affect the client's vitamin D levels. Therefore, it is essential for the client to have regular check-ups and possibly discuss the need for vitamin D supplementation with their healthcare provider.
Choice D reason:
"Limit foods that contain folic acid while taking this medication. “This is not the correct statement. Phenytoin can interfere with the absorption of folic acid (a B-vitamin). Long-term use of phenytoin may lead to folic acid deficiency. Therefore, the nurse should instruct the client to consume foods rich in folic acid and discuss the potential need for folic acid supplementation with their healthcare provider.
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