During a home visit, the nurse should evaluate the effectiveness of a client's treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by assessing for which primary symptom?

Tachycardia.

Edem of the ankles.

Dyspneal.

Unilateral diminished breath sounds.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: Tachycardia, or a rapid heart rate, can be a symptom associated with COPD, especially during exacerbations or due to medication effects. However, it is not the primary symptom used to evaluate the effectiveness of COPD treatment.

Choice B reason: Edem of the ankles can occur in COPD patients due to right-sided heart failure (cur pulmonale) associated with chronic lung disease. While it is an important symptom to monitor, it is not the primary indicator of COPD treatment effectiveness.

Choice C reason: Dyspneal, or difficulty breathing, is the most significant and primary symptom of COPD. The primary goal of COPD treatment is to improve the client's breathing and reduce dyspneal. Assessing the client's level of breathlessness provides direct insight into how well the treatment is managing the condition.

Choice D reason: Unilateral diminished breath sounds can indicate localized issues such as pneumothorax or pleural effusion rather than the overall effectiveness of COPD treatment. Bilateral lung sounds and general respiratory status are more relevant to evaluating COPD management.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Continuing the normal saline IV at 75 mL/hour and encouraging increased oral fluid intake is the appropriate action. The client is showing signs of dehydration, such as dry mucous membranes and inelastic skin turgor, indicating a need for more fluids. Ensuring proper hydration through both IV and oral routes is essential.

Choice B reason: Slowing the normal saline to a keep open rate while contacting the healthcare provider is not appropriate in this situation. The client needs more fluids, not less. Reducing the IV rate could exacerbate dehydration.

Choice C reason: Reviewing the client's medications to see if the client can be given a PRN diuretic is not suitable for a client showing signs of dehydration. Diuretics would further decrease fluid volume and worsen the symptoms.

Choice D reason: Instructing the client to withhold oral fluids and report the symptoms to the provider is contrary to managing dehydration. The client needs increased fluid intake to address the signs of dehydration effectively.

A. Clay coloured stool. B. Distended, hard, and rigid abdomen. C. Bile-stained emesis. D. Radiating, sharp pain in right shoulder.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Clay-coloured stool is a symptom of bile duct obstruction. It indicates that bile is not reaching the intestines to help digest food. While this is important to note, it is not the most urgent finding that requires immediate reporting to the healthcare provider.

Choice B reason: A distended, hard, and rigid abdomen is a sign of possible peritonitis or other severe abdominal complications. This finding indicates a medical emergency that requires immediate attention and intervention by the healthcare provider. Prompt reporting is essential to prevent further complications and ensure appropriate treatment.

Choice C reason: Bile-stained emesis suggests that bile is being regurgitated, which is indicative of a blocked or compromised bile duct. However, this finding does not require as urgent reporting as a rigid abdomen, which could indicate a more serious condition.

Choice D reason: Radiating, sharp pain in the right shoulder is often referred pain from gallbladder issues. While this symptom is significant and should be monitored, it does not take precedence over the urgent finding of a distended and rigid abdomen that might indicate a severe complication.

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During a home visit, the nurse should evaluate the effectiveness of a client's treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by assessing for which primary symptom?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client who is receiving normal saline IV at 75 mL/hour has dry, sticky mucous membranes, and inelastic skin turgor. Which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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