The nurse assists a patient into which position in preparation for a diagnostic thoracentesis?
Sitting upright with elbows on an over-bed table and feet supported
Sitting in bed with knees slightly flex and feet flexed
Lying flat in the fetal position on the unaffected side
Lying flat on the unaffected side with knees slightly flexed
The Correct Answer is A
A. The optimal position for a thoracentesis is sitting upright with the patient leaning forward slightly, with elbows resting on an over-bed table to help expose the pleural space for access. This position allows gravity to pull the lungs downward and facilitates easier access to the pleural cavity.
B. Sitting in bed with knees slightly flexed and feet flexed is not the best position for thoracentesis. This position might limit the ability to properly expose the thoracic cavity for the procedure.
C. Lying flat in the fetal position on the unaffected side would not allow for effective drainage or access to the pleural space and is not ideal for thoracentesis.
D. Lying flat on the unaffected side with knees slightly flexed is not ideal because it does not provide optimal positioning for the procedure. The upright position is preferred for thoracentesis to facilitate easy access to the pleural space.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Obtain a prescription for supplemental oxygen: This is the correct answer. The patient is experiencing hypoxia, and ensuring adequate oxygenation is the priority. Oxygen supplementation is essential to correct the hypoxia, which can exacerbate metabolic disturbances like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Improving oxygenation will also support other treatments, such as insulin administration, by improving tissue perfusion.
B. Obtain a prescription to administer insulin: While insulin is a key treatment for DKA, addressing hypoxia first is more urgent. Hypoxia can impair the effectiveness of insulin and other therapies, so stabilizing the patient’s oxygen levels should be prioritized before insulin administration.
C. Obtain a prescription to administer intravenous fluids: Administering fluids is important in DKA management, especially for rehydration and correcting electrolyte imbalances. However, addressing hypoxia first is the priority to stabilize the patient and ensure optimal perfusion for further interventions like fluid resuscitation.
D. Obtain a prescription to check the client's glucose level: This is not necessary, as the glucose level is likely already elevated, which is characteristic of DKA. The focus should be on stabilizing the patient's airway and oxygenation before monitoring glucose levels or starting insulin.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Formoterol is a long-acting beta agonist (LABA) used for maintenance therapy, not for aborting acute asthma attacks. LABAs help prevent asthma symptoms but are not effective for immediate relief during an acute attack.
B. Albuterol is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA), which is the medication of choice for relieving acute asthma symptoms. It acts quickly to relax the muscles of the airways and relieve bronchospasm.
C. Beclomethasone is an inhaled corticosteroid used for long-term asthma control, reducing inflammation, but it is not used to treat acute attacks.
D. Salmeterol is another LABA, similar to formoterol, and is not used for aborting acute asthma attacks but rather for long-term control.
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