Patient Data
What is the rationale for the order of supplemental oxygen 10 L/min via nasal cannula? Select the best answer.
To prevent hypoxia and tissue damage due to pneumonia.
To lower the blood pressure and reduce the workload of the heart.
To increase the oxygen saturation and improve the respiratory function.
To dilate the bronchioles and decrease the inflammation of the lungs.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Supplemental oxygen is given to the patient to prevent hypoxia and tissue damage due to pneumonia. Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus, causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. Hypoxia occurs when the body or a region of the body is deprived of adequate oxygen supply at the tissue level. It can cause serious damage to your heart, brain, and other organs. Hence, supplemental oxygen is administered to ensure that the patient’s tissues receive adequate oxygen.
Choice B rationale:
While supplemental oxygen can indirectly help lower blood pressure by improving oxygen supply and reducing strain on the heart, it is not primarily used for this purpose. Enalapril, which the patient is already taking, is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that is commonly used to lower blood pressure and reduce the workload of the heart.
Choice C rationale:
Supplemental oxygen does increase the oxygen saturation and improve respiratory function. However, this is a more general rationale for providing supplemental oxygen and not specific to this patient’s condition of pneumonia.
Choice D rationale:
Supplemental oxygen does not directly dilate the bronchioles or decrease inflammation in the lungs. Medications such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids are typically used for these purposes. In this case, supplemental oxygen is being used to prevent hypoxia and tissue damage due to pneumonia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D,B,C,A
Explanation
Rationalizing the Priority
1. Airway/Breathing (D):
The "A" and "B" of the ABCs take precedence. In myxedema coma, hypoventilation is a primary concern. The client may experience respiratory muscle weakness or a decreased drive to breathe, leading to CO₂ retention and respiratory failure. Assessing the rate, depth, and effort of breathing is the absolute first step.
2. Circulation (B):
Once the airway is confirmed, you assess the "C" (Circulation). Myxedema coma causes severe bradycardia and decreased cardiac output, which leads to hypotension. Assessing blood pressure tells the nurse if the client is in cardiogenic shock.
3. Vital Signs/Metabolic State (C):
Hypothermia is a hallmark sign of myxedema coma (temperatures can often drop below 95°F or 35°C). While critical, it is addressed after ensuring the heart is pumping and the lungs are moving air. Monitoring temperature is vital because rapid rewarming can actually cause vasodilation and worsen shock.
4. Focused Physical Assessment (A):
Palpating for edema is an important part of a head-to-toe assessment for hypothyroidism (non-pitting mucinous edema is common), but it is not a life-saving intervention. It is a secondary assessment compared to the vital signs and respiratory status.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Based on the provided audio clip, the sound heard is a high-pitched, continuous, musical sound. This sound is characteristic of wheezing, which is caused by the narrowing of the airways due to inflammation, bronchoconstriction, or the presence of mucus. Wheezing is commonly associated with conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or bronchitis.
Let's evaluate the other options:
b) Rhonchi: Rhonchi are low-pitched, coarse, ratling sounds that typically indicate the presence of mucus or fluid in the larger airways. Rhonchi are often heard in conditions such as pneumonia or bronchitis, but they are different from the high-pitched wheezing sound heard in the audio clip.
c) Stridor: Stridor is a high-pitched, harsh, and crowing sound that is heard during inspiration. It is often associated with upper airway obstruction, such as in cases of croup, epiglottitis, or a foreign body obstruction. The sound in the audio clip does not match the characteristics of stridor.
d) Fine crackles: Fine crackles are discontinuous, high-pitched, and brief sounds that are typically heard during inspiration. They are often described as "velcro-like" or "rice crispies" and are associated with conditions such as pulmonary fibrosis or congestive heart failure. The sound in the audio clip does not resemble fine crackles.
In summary, the sound in the provided audio clip is best described as wheezing, characterized by a high- pitched, continuous, musical sound. Therefore, the practical nurse (PN) should document this sound as "wheeze."
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