An older adult client with a long history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted with progressive shortness of breath and a persistent cough. The client is anxious and is complaining of a dry mouth. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

Administer a prescribed sedative

Assist client to an upright position.

Encourage client to drink water

Apply a high-flow venturi mask.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Administer a prescribed sedative:
Sedatives may depress the respiratory drive, which can be detrimental in a client with respiratory distress. It is not the appropriate intervention in this case.

B. Assist the client to an upright position.
Positioning the client upright helps improve respiratory mechanics by reducing the pressure on the diaphragm and allowing better lung expansion. This position can enhance the efficiency of breathing and alleviate symptoms of breathlessness.

C. Encourage the client to drink water:
While maintaining hydration is important, it may not directly address the immediate respiratory distress. Addressing the respiratory symptoms with an upright position is more crucial at this moment.

D. Apply a high-flow venturi mask:
While oxygen therapy may be necessary for a client with COPD experiencing respiratory distress, the first step is to assist the client to an upright position to improve respiratory mechanics. Applying a high-flow venturi mask may be a subsequent intervention based on the overall assessment, but positioning is the initial priority.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Hyperactive bowel sounds.
Hyperactive bowel sounds are more suggestive of gastrointestinal issues, such as intestinal hypermotility or increased peristalsis. While diabetes can affect the gastrointestinal system, hyperactive bowel sounds are not a specific indicator of the symptoms described by the client.

B. Anxiety and sighing.
Anxiety and sighing are more indicative of emotional or psychological factors rather than dehydration. While stress can impact blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes, anxiety and sighing are not direct signs of the dehydration that may be associated with the reported symptoms.

C. Dark yellow urine.
Dark yellow urine can be a sign of concentrated urine, suggesting dehydration. In diabetes, especially when blood sugar levels are elevated, increased urine production (polyuria) can lead to dehydration. Dark yellow urine may indicate that the urine is more concentrated due to a lack of fluid intake.

D. Myalgia in wrists and hands.
Myalgia in the wrists and hands is not a typical symptom of dehydration related to diabetes. It could be associated with various conditions, such as musculoskeletal issues or nerve-related problems. This symptom is less likely to be directly linked to the reported weakness and palpitations.

A. Evaluate the urine for a strong odor. B. Measure her temperature and pulse rate C. Test her urine for the presence of hematuria. D. Palpate the right flank for tenderness

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Evaluate the urine for a strong odor.
While evaluating urine for a strong odor can provide some information about a possible urinary tract infection (UTI), it is not the most immediate concern. The priority in this case is to assess for signs of systemic infection, and checking for a strong odor can be done later.

B. Measure her temperature and pulse rate.
This is the correct choice. Measuring temperature and pulse rate is a critical initial step to assess for signs of systemic infection. Fever and an elevated pulse rate can indicate that the infection may have spread beyond the bladder, possibly involving the kidneys.

C. Test her urine for the presence of hematuria.
Testing for hematuria (blood in the urine) is an important diagnostic step for a UTI, but it is not the first priority. Vital sign assessment takes precedence to determine the severity of the condition and the need for urgent intervention.

D. Palpate the right flank for tenderness.
Palpating the right flank for tenderness is a relevant physical assessment to check for kidney involvement, which is important in cases of suspected pyelonephritis. However, assessing vital signs is a more immediate and critical step to determine the severity of the condition.

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An older adult client with a long history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted with progressive shortness of breath and a persistent cough. The client is anxious and is complaining of a dry mouth. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

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