A patient with asthma is admitted with severe dyspnea and is unable to speak. The nurse finds that the patient looks drowsy and confused. Which other finding would the nurse expect?
Peak flow of more than 40%
Bradycardia
Loud and prominent wheezing
Arterial blood gas is deteriorating
The Correct Answer is D
A. A peak flow of more than 40% would indicate that the patient's asthma is not in an acute exacerbation. This patient's symptoms, such as confusion and inability to speak, suggest a severe asthma attack, and the peak flow would likely be much lower.
B. Bradycardia is not typically associated with severe asthma exacerbations. Tachycardia is more commonly observed as the body attempts to compensate for hypoxia.
C. Loud and prominent wheezing is usually seen in less severe cases of asthma. In this case, the inability to speak and confusion suggest severe respiratory distress, where wheezing might be diminished or absent due to poor air movement.
D. Deteriorating arterial blood gas (ABG) results, with low oxygen levels (hypoxemia) and elevated carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia), would be expected in a patient with severe asthma exacerbation. These signs indicate respiratory failure and the need for urgent intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Taking inhaled beclomethasone with meals is not necessary, as this medication works locally in the lungs and does not require food to be absorbed or tolerated.
B. Rinsing the mouth after using inhaled corticosteroids like beclomethasone is important to prevent the development of oral thrush (a fungal infection) and reduce the risk of other side effects, such as hoarseness.
C. Checking the pulse after medication administration is not required for beclomethasone. While some medications affect heart rate, inhaled corticosteroids like beclomethasone are not typically associated with this effect.
D. Limiting caffeine intake is not necessary when using beclomethasone. Caffeine is a stimulant that may interact with some medications, but it does not typically interfere with corticosteroids used in asthma treatment.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Exercising safe sex practices, especially in regard to human papillomavirus (HPV), is important because HPV is a known risk factor for head and neck cancers, particularly oropharyngeal cancers. Safe sex practices, including the use of barriers like condoms, can reduce the risk of HPV infection.
B. Reducing smoking to half a pack/day is still a significant risk factor for head and neck cancer. The best approach is to quit smoking completely, as even small amounts of tobacco use increase the risk of cancer.
C. Alcohol consumption is a known risk factor for head and neck cancer, particularly when combined with smoking. The nurse should educate the client to limit alcohol intake or avoid it altogether.
D. Using harsh toothpastes or mouthwashes does not significantly affect the risk of head and neck cancer. However, maintaining good oral hygiene is important for overall health.
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