The client is a 51-year-old male with pneumonia.
The client has a history of hypertension and takes enalapril and a multivitamin daily.
His surgical history includes adenoid removal at age 4-years and a surgical repair of a fractured tibia at age 20. According to the client’s vital signs, he is experiencing which condition?

Hypothermia.

Tachypnea.

Hypotension.

Hypertension.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:

Hypothermia is a condition in which the body's core temperature falls below 95°F (35°C). It is not directly indicated by the client's vital signs as presented in the question.

Other factors that would more strongly suggest hypothermia include exposure to cold environments, immersion in cold water, or impaired thermoregulation due to conditions like hypothyroidism or alcohol intoxication.

Choice C rationale:

Hypotension is a condition in which blood pressure is abnormally low. It is also not directly indicated by the client's vital signs as presented in the question.

Hypertension, on the other hand, is a condition in which blood pressure is abnormally high.

The client's history of hypertension, and the fact that he takes enalapril (an antihypertensive medication), suggests that he may be more likely to experience hypertension than hypotension.

Choice D rationale:

Hypertension, as mentioned above, is a condition in which blood pressure is abnormally high.

While it's possible that the client is experiencing hypertension, the question specifically asks about the condition indicated by the client's vital signs.

Tachypnea, or rapid breathing, is a more direct indication of the client's respiratory distress, which is a common symptom of pneumonia.

Choice B rationale:

Tachypnea is the most likely condition indicated by the client's vital signs.

Tachypnea is often a sign of respiratory distress, which can be caused by a variety of conditions, including pneumonia. When a person has pneumonia, their lungs become inflamed and filled with fluid, making it difficult to breathe.

This can lead to rapid, shallow breathing, which is called tachypnea.

Other signs of respiratory distress that may be present in a client with pneumonia include: Coughing

Wheezing Chest pain

Feeling short of breath

Use of accessory muscles to breathe (e.g., muscles in the neck and chest) Nasal flaring

Cyanosis (a bluish tint to the skin)

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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.

A. Teach the client to wear a mask, hand wash, and social distance to prevent spreading the virus. B. Isolate the client from other clients, family, and healthcare workers not wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE). C. Report the COVID-19 result to the local health department according to Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. D. Counsel family members to monitor for illness symptoms for 2 weeks after last contact with patient.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

While teaching the client about infection prevention measures is important, it is not the most immediate priority in this situation. The client is already potentially contagious, and these measures may not be sufficient to prevent transmission if the client is not properly isolated.

It's crucial to remember that the client may be experiencing cognitive impairment due to illness, making it harder to fully comprehend and adhere to instructions.

Additionally, some clients may not have access to or be able to afford masks and hand sanitizer, potentially hindering compliance with these measures.

Choice B rationale:

Isolating the client is the most critical action to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to others. This includes separating the client from other patients, family members, and healthcare workers who are not wearing proper PPE.

PPE, such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection, creates a barrier between the healthcare worker and the client, minimizing the risk of transmission via direct contact or droplets.

Proper isolation techniques include placing the client in a designated negative-pressure isolation room, if available, or designating a separate area within a multi-bed room.

It's essential to restrict the client's movement within the healthcare facility and limit visitors to essential personnel only.

Choice C rationale:

Reporting the COVID-19 result to the local health department is important for tracking and managing the spread of the virus; however, it is not the most immediate priority in this situation.

The priority is to prevent further transmission by isolating the client.

Choice D rationale:

Counseling family members to monitor for symptoms is important, but it is not the most immediate priority in this situation. The priority is to prevent transmission by isolating the client.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client presents to the emergency department with muscle aches, headache, fever, and describes a recent loss of taste and smell.The nurse obtains a nasal swab for COVID-19 testing. Which action is most important for the nurse to take?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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