Exhibits

The nurse starts the albuterol nebulizer as prescribed.

Which should the nurse assess after the albuterol nebulizer treatment is complete? Select all that apply.

Rationale

A. Granola and strawberries may be high in fiber, which could potentially worsen diarrhea in some individuals. Tea is generally fine, but it should be non-caffeinated to avoid further irritation to the digestive system.

B. Whole wheat toast can be a good option as it provides carbohydrates for energy without being too heavy. However, coffee is caffeinated and can stimulate bowel movements and increase gastric acid secretion, potentially aggravating diarrhea.

C. Oatmeal is gentle on the stomach and provides soluble fiber, which can help absorb water and bulk up stools. Banana is a good source of potassium, which may be lost during episodes of diarrhea. Herbal tea is non-caffeinated and can help hydrate.

D. Sausage and milk can be high in fat and lactose, which may be difficult to digest, especially during diarrhea. Poached eggs are generally well tolerated, but the overall combination may not be ideal for someone with diarrhea.

Rationale

A. A. lung biopsy involves obtaining a tissue sample from the lung for microscopic examination. It is typically performed to diagnose conditions such as lung cancer or to investigate unusual findings seen on imaging studies. However, for a client with COPD experiencing increased shortness of breath, a lung biopsy is not typically indicated as a first-line investigation. It is more invasive and usually reserved for specific diagnostic purposes other than routine evaluation of COPD symptoms.

B. Antibody testing is used to detect antibodies specific to certain infections or autoimmune conditions. It is not typically used in the routine evaluation of COPD symptoms unless there is suspicion of a specific autoimmune or infectious cause contributing to exacerbations, which is less common in COPD compared to other conditions.

C. A. sweat test is used to diagnose cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system. It measures the amount of chloride in sweat, which is elevated in individuals with CF. Since COPD and CF are distinct conditions with different underlying causes and diagnostic criteria, a sweat test is not appropriate for evaluating COPD symptoms.

D. Spirometry is the most appropriate test to schedule for evaluating a client with COPD who reports increased shortness of breath with activity. Spirometry measures lung function by assessing how much and how quickly a person can move air into and out of their lungs. It provides valuable information about the severity of airflow limitation, which is characteristic of COPD.