A nurse suspects impending respiratory failure in a client diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The nurse should recognize that which assessment finding supports the presence of hypoxemia?
The client has circumoral cyanosis.
The client's heart rate is 86 bpm.
The client has a pulse ox of 90% on room air.
The client is lethargic.
The Correct Answer is C
A. The client has circumoral cyanosis: Circumoral cyanosis, or bluish discoloration around the mouth, is a sign of hypoxia but may not be present in all cases of hypoxemia. Pulse oximetry provides a more objective measurement.
B. The client's heart rate is 86 bpm: Heart rate may be within normal limits even in the presence of hypoxemia, as compensatory mechanisms may not be fully activated.
C. The client has a pulse ox of 90% on room air: A pulse oximetry reading of 90% indicates hypoxemia (oxygen saturation below normal levels), which is a significant finding, especially in a client with COPD who may already have compromised respiratory function.
D. The client is lethargic: Lethargy may occur with severe hypoxemia, but it is a late sign and may not always be present. Monitoring oxygen saturation is more reliable for early detection of hypoxemia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Assist with passive range of motion exercises: While promoting mobility is important for overall well-being, it may not be the priority in a client with Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, which requires respiratory support and oxygenation.
B. Monitor the pulse oximetry every two hours: Monitoring oxygen saturation is crucial in clients with Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia to assess respiratory status and the effectiveness of treatment. Hypoxemia is a common complication and requires prompt intervention.
C. Encourage 1 liter of fluid intake in 24 hours: Encouraging adequate fluid intake is important for hydration, but it may not be the priority over monitoring respiratory status in a client with pneumonia.
D. Encourage the client to focus efforts on discharge: Discharge planning is important but should not take precedence over immediate nursing care priorities such as respiratory assessment and monitoring.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Irregular pulsations: Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are abnormal heartbeats originating in the ventricles, causing irregularities in the heart rhythm. Auscultating the apical pulse during PVCs may reveal irregular pulsations due to the irregular timing of ventricular contractions.
B. Bounding pulsations: Bounding pulsations are typically associated with conditions such as hypertension or aortic valve regurgitation but are not specifically characteristic of PVCs.
C. Tachycardia: PVCs may occur in the setting of tachycardia, but the presence of PVCs themselves does not necessarily indicate a rapid heart rate. The rhythm may be irregular due to PVCs, but the overall heart rate may not be consistently elevated.
D. Bradycardia: PVCs are not typically associated with bradycardia. Bradycardia refers to a slow heart rate, while PVCs involve premature extra beats originating from the ventricles.
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