Patient Data shows that on Day 1, there were no active processes.
On Day 2, there were small bilateral lower lobes pulmonary infiltrates with the right lower lobe showing increased involvement compared to the left side.
What is the likely diagnosis?

Pneumonia

Tuberculosis

Bronchitis

Pulmonary Embolism

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale:

Pneumonia is the most likely diagnosis given the rapid development of pulmonary infiltrates within a 24-hour period. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It typically presents with symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain. The presence of pulmonary infiltrates on imaging studies, such as a chest X-ray, is a key diagnostic feature of pneumonia.

The distribution of the infiltrates, involving the lower lobes with a predominance on the right side, is also consistent with pneumonia. This is because the lower lobes are more susceptible to pneumonia due to their anatomy and gravity.

The absence of active processes on Day 1 makes other diagnoses less likely. For example, tuberculosis typically develops more slowly over weeks or months, and bronchitis usually does not cause pulmonary infiltrates.

Pulmonary embolism can cause pulmonary infiltrates, but it would typically be associated with other symptoms such as sudden onset of shortness of breath, chest pain, and tachycardia.

Choice B rationale:

Tuberculosis is a chronic infection that typically develops slowly over weeks or months. It is less likely to cause rapid development of pulmonary infiltrates as seen in this case.

Tuberculosis often involves the upper lobes of the lungs, and it may be associated with other symptoms such as fever, night sweats, and weight loss.

Choice C rationale:

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi, the large airways that carry air to the lungs. It typically causes a cough, but it does not usually cause pulmonary infiltrates.

Bronchitis is often caused by a virus, and it usually resolves on its own within a few weeks.

Choice D rationale:

Pulmonary embolism is a blockage of a pulmonary artery, one of the blood vessels that carries blood to the lungs. It can cause pulmonary infiltrates, but it would typically be associated with other symptoms such as sudden onset of shortness of breath, chest pain, and tachycardia.

Pulmonary embolism is often caused by a blood clot that travels from a vein in the leg to the lungs.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

A regular rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) is a common side effect of albuterol, a bronchodilator that relaxes the muscles in the airways to improve breathing. It's often expected after repeated doses. While it warrants monitoring, it doesn't necessarily require immediate intervention unless it becomes significantly elevated or causes other symptoms.

Choice B rationale:

Increased anxiety can also accompany breathing difficulties and albuterol administration. It's crucial to address anxiety, but it's not the most urgent finding in this scenario. Calming techniques and reassurance can often help manage anxiety, while more severe cases might require additional interventions.

Choice C rationale:

Uncontrollable shaking (tremors) is a more serious side effect of albuterol, indicating excessive stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. It can progress to serious complications like seizures or cardiac events. Immediate intervention is crucial to prevent these risks. Actions might include:

Holding the next albuterol dose Notifying the healthcare provider Monitoring vital signs closely

Administering medications to counteract the tremors, such as beta-blockers, if ordered

Choice D rationale:

Throat irritation is a possible side effect of albuterol, but it's generally mild and self-limiting. It doesn't typically warrant immediate intervention in the absence of other concerning symptoms.

A. Increase the daily intake of oral fluids to liquefy secretions. B. Call the clinic if undesirable side effects of medications occur. C. Teach anxiety reduction methods for feelings of suffocation. D. Avoid crowded enclosed areas to reduce pathogen exposure.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Liquefying secretions is the most crucial action to address the client's immediate respiratory concerns. Thickened mucus obstructs airflow, leading to shortness of breath, productive cough, and difficulty breathing upon exertion. Increasing fluid intake thins mucus, making it easier to expel and improving ventilation. This directly addresses the client's current symptoms and promotes airway clearance.

Hydration and Mucociliary Clearance: Adequate hydration is indispensable for optimal mucociliary clearance, the natural mechanism that removes mucus from the airways. Fluids moisten the respiratory tract, allowing cilia (tiny hair-like structures) to effectively move mucus upwards, where it can be coughed out or swallowed.

Thinning Mucus: Water acts as a natural expectorant, thinning mucus and reducing its viscosity. This makes it easier for the client to cough up the mucus, clearing the airways and reducing the sensation of breathlessness.

Decreasing Mucus Production: Dehydration can trigger the body to produce more mucus as a protective response. By staying hydrated, the client can help prevent excessive mucus production, further easing symptoms.

Supporting Overall Respiratory Health: Proper hydration maintains the health of the respiratory system's tissues and cells, promoting efficient gas exchange and reducing inflammation.

Preventing Dehydration-Related Complications: Dehydration can exacerbate respiratory problems and lead to other complications, such as fatigue, headaches, and impaired immune function. Maintaining adequate fluid intake helps prevent these issues.

Key points to emphasize to the client:

Drink fluids throughout the day, even if not feeling thirsty.

Water is the best choice, but clear broths, juices, and herbal teas can also contribute to fluid intake. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can be dehydrating.

Monitor urine output to ensure adequate hydration (urine should be pale yellow or clear).

Increase fluid intake during periods of increased mucus production, such as during respiratory infections or exercise.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Patient Data shows that on Day 1, there were no active processes.On Day 2, there were small bilateral lower lobes pulmonary infiltrates with the right lower lobe showing increased involvement compared to the left side.What is the likely diagnosis?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with emphysema reports difficulty breathing and exhibits audible wheezing.The nurse administers albuterol as prescribed for the third time within the last 12 hours. Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is given a new prescription for tiotropium via an inhalation device.Which statement indicates that the client understands the instructions for using this medication?

The nurse notes that a patient has been receiving hydromorphone every six hours for four days. Which assessment is most important for the nurse to complete?

The nurse is admitting a client with possible tuberculosis (TB). The client is placed in a private room with airborne precautions pending diagnostic test results.Which diagnostic test should the nurse review to confirm the diagnosis of TB?

An adult patient is admitted with AIDS and oral Candida albicans manifested by several painful mouth ulcers. The nurse delegates oral care to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) and discusses how to assist the patient. Which instruction should the nurse give to the UAP?

The healthcare provider prescribes bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, tetracycline, and pantoprazole for a client with a Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection.Prior to administering theH. pylori treatment regimen, the nurse should review the electronic medical record for which medication?

A client who has had a laryngectomy and tracheostomy frequently expectorates copious amounts of purulent secretions.When changing the ties of the tracheostomy tube, which action is most important for the nurse to take?

Before administering a newly prescribed dose of terbinafine HCL to a client with a fungal toenail infection, which assessment finding is most important for the nurse to address?

Patient Data shows that on Day 1, there were no active processes.
On Day 2, there were small bilateral lower lobes pulmonary infiltrates with the right lower lobe showing increased involvement compared to the left side.
What is the likely diagnosis?