A patient hospitalized with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is being discharged home on oxygen therapy. Which instruction should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?
Store the oxygen tanks near sources of heat to prevent them from freezing.
Use the oxygen therapy only during periods of activity or exertion.
Adjust the oxygen flow rate to the highest level possible to improve breathing.
Use the oxygen therapy continuously, even during sleep.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Storing oxygen tanks near sources of heat is dangerous. Oxygen should be stored in a cool, dry place away from heat sources and flammable materials to prevent the risk of fire or explosion.
B. Oxygen therapy should not be limited to periods of activity or exertion. For patients with COPD, continuous oxygen therapy is often necessary to maintain adequate oxygen saturation levels, even during sleep.
C. Adjusting the oxygen flow rate to the highest level can be harmful, especially in patients with COPD, as it may suppress their hypoxic drive to breathe. The flow rate should be prescribed and adjusted by the healthcare provider.
D. Continuous use of oxygen therapy, even during sleep, is essential for maintaining adequate oxygen saturation levels in patients with COPD. This helps prevent hypoxemia and ensures the patient receives the necessary oxygen support.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. While anxiety can cause rapid breathing and confusion, the patient's clinical presentation (dyspnea, confusion, tachycardia, hypotension, and oxygen desaturation) is more consistent with a serious physical condition, such as a pulmonary embolism, rather than an anxiety attack.
B. Pneumonia could cause dyspnea and confusion, but the rapid onset of symptoms, along with the patient's history of prolonged bed rest and risk factors, suggests a pulmonary embolism rather than pneumonia.
C. Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening condition that can occur in patients on prolonged bedrest, especially after a pelvic fracture. The patient’s symptoms of dyspnea, confusion, tachycardia, hypotension, and oxygen desaturation are classic signs of PE. This requires immediate intervention, including anticoagulation and possibly thrombolytic therapy.
D. Asthma exacerbation typically presents with wheezing and difficulty breathing, but it would not typically cause the severe hypotension, confusion, and rapid oxygen desaturation seen in this patient.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. This description refers to a comminuted fracture, where the bone is broken into multiple fragments. It is not characteristic of a greenstick fracture.
B. This description refers to a compound or open fracture, where the bone breaks through the skin. A greenstick fracture typically does not involve the bone piercing the skin.
C. This description refers to a compression or impacted fracture, where the bone ends are driven into each other. This is not the nature of a greenstick fracture.
D. A greenstick fracture occurs when the bone breaks on one side but bends on the other, similar to how a green twig might break. This is common in children due to the flexibility of their bones.
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