A patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), who smokes two packs of cigarettes daily and is hospitalized due to a respiratory infection, reports difficulty managing respiratory distress at home when using the rescue inhaler.
Which statement from the patient suggests to the nurse that the inhaler is not being used correctly?
“I never use the inhaler unless I am really short of breath.”.
“I have a hard time inhaling and holding my breath after I squeeze the inhaler, but I do my best.”.
“After I squeeze the inhaler and swallow, I always feel a slight wave of nausea, but it goes away.”.
“I always shake the inhaler several times before I start.”.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Using the inhaler only when the patient is really short of breath is not an incorrect use of the inhaler. However, it might indicate that the patient is not managing their COPD effectively, as rescue inhalers like albuterol are meant to be used for quick relief of acute symptoms.
Choice B rationale
Having a hard time inhaling and holding the breath after squeezing the inhaler might suggest that the patient is not using the inhaler correctly. However, the patient’s statement that they “do their best” suggests that they are aware of the correct technique and are trying to follow it.
Choice C rationale
Swallowing after squeezing the inhaler is a clear indication of incorrect use. The medication from the inhaler is meant to be inhaled into the lungs, not swallowed. Swallowing the medication would lead to less of it reaching the lungs, reducing its effectiveness. The wave of nausea the patient experiences could be a side effect of swallowing the medication.
Choice D rationale
Shaking the inhaler several times before starting is actually part of the correct technique for using many types of inhalers.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The patient’s history of asthma, previous hospitalizations for asthma-related symptoms, and the current presentation of difficulty breathing and wheezing suggest that she is likely experiencing an asthma exacerbation related to environmental factors. Asthma is a chronic condition that can cause symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness, which the patient is currently experiencing. Environmental factors such as allergens, air pollution, and changes in weather can trigger asthma symptoms.
Choice B rationale
While smoking is a major risk factor for COPD, the patient denies smoking. Additionally, COPD is more common in older adults, and the patient is only 22 years old. Therefore, it is less likely that her symptoms are due to COPD.
Choice C rationale
Pneumonia is typically associated with additional symptoms such as fever, cough with phlegm, and chest pain. The patient’s symptoms do not align with a typical presentation of pneumonia.
Choice D rationale
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that typically presents with a chronic cough, weight loss, and night sweats. The patient’s symptoms do not align with a typical presentation of tuberculosis.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Evaluating the integrity of the IV insertion site is important, but it does not directly address the patient’s complaint of pain at the right groin insertion site following a cardiac catheterization.
Choice B rationale
Encouraging the patient to take deep breaths can help with overall comfort and oxygenation, but it does not directly address the patient’s complaint of pain at the right groin insertion site following a cardiac catheterization.
Choice C rationale
Assessing distal lower extremity capillary refill can provide information about the patient’s overall circulation, but it does not directly address the patient’s complaint of pain at the right groin insertion site following a cardiac catheterization.
Choice D rationale
Inspecting the femoral site for hematoma formation is the most appropriate action in response to the patient’s complaint of pain at the right groin insertion site after a cardiac catheterization. Hematoma formation is a potential complication of this procedure and can lead to further complications if not addressed promptly. Ulcerative colitisUlcerative colitis Explore
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