The nurse is assessing a client who frequently coughs after eating or drinking. How should the nurse best follow up on this assessment finding?

Obtain a sputum sample.

Inspect the client’s tongue and mouth.

Perform a swallowing assessment.

Assess the client’s nutritional status.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Obtain a sputum sample:

This option is more relevant when the client is experiencing cough with sputum production, which might suggest respiratory issues. However, in the context of coughing after eating or drinking, the primary concern is likely related to the swallowing process rather than respiratory conditions.

B. Inspect the client’s tongue and mouth:

While inspecting the tongue and mouth is a good practice for assessing oral health, it may not directly address the issue of coughing after eating or drinking, which is more indicative of potential swallowing difficulties.

C. Perform a swallowing assessment:

This is the most appropriate option for the given scenario. A swallowing assessment helps identify any abnormalities or difficulties in the swallowing process, which could contribute to the client's coughing after eating or drinking.

D. Assess the client’s nutritional status:

While assessing nutritional status is important for overall health, it may not directly address the immediate concern of coughing after eating or drinking. Nutritional status assessment is a broader aspect of care.

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 D

Explanation

A. Intake and output:

Intake and output refer to monitoring the amount of fluids a person consumes (intake) and eliminates (output) through urine, feces, and other means. While tracking fluid intake and output is important, it may not provide a direct indication of excess fluid retention.

B. Pitting pedal edema:

Pitting pedal edema is swelling in the lower extremities, particularly the ankles and feet, that leaves an indentation (pit) when pressure is applied. This can be a sign of fluid retention but may not always be the earliest or most reliable indicator.

C. Crackles in the bases of the lungs:

Crackles or rales in the bases of the lungs can be indicative of pulmonary congestion, which may occur due to fluid accumulation. However, crackles alone may not always be specific to fluid overload and can be present in other respiratory conditions.

D. Daily weights:

Daily weights are a critical and sensitive measure for assessing fluid balance. Sudden weight gain, especially over a short period, can be a strong indicator of fluid retention. Monitoring weight on a daily basis helps to detect changes early, allowing for prompt intervention.

A. Administer antibiotics B. Encourage increased oral fluid intake C. Early mobilization after surgery D. Frequent turning of the patient E. Use of incentive spirometry

Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E"]

Explanation

A. Administer antibiotics

Administering antibiotics is not a direct intervention for preventing atelectasis. Antibiotics are typically prescribed to treat bacterial infections, and atelectasis is more related to lung collapse or incomplete lung expansion.

B. Encourage increased oral fluid intake

Adequate hydration is important for maintaining the moisture of respiratory secretions. This helps prevent mucus from becoming thick and sticky, making it easier for the patient to cough and clear the airways.

C. Early mobilization after surgery

Early mobilization, including activities such as getting out of bed and walking, helps improve lung expansion. It promotes better ventilation and prevents areas of the lungs from collapsing, reducing the risk of atelectasis.

D. Frequent turning of the patient

Turning the patient regularly is crucial for preventing pooling of respiratory secretions in dependent areas of the lungs. By changing the patient's position, nurses can facilitate drainage and ventilation throughout the lungs, minimizing the risk of atelectasis.

E. Use of incentive spirometry

Incentive spirometry is a breathing exercise device that encourages the patient to take slow, deep breaths. This helps expand the lungs and prevents atelectasis by maintaining lung volume and promoting alveolar recruitment.

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

The nurse is assessing a client who frequently coughs after eating or drinking. How should the nurse best follow up on this assessment finding?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

What is the best indication if the client with congestive heart failure is holding excess fluid?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nursing student is reviewing interventions which are part of nursing care and prevention of atelectasis. What are some of the interventions nurses can do to prevent atelectasis? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)

Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E"]

Explanation

A client is ordered to receive 4 g of a medication. The pharmacy has the medication available in a concentration of 160 mg per 5 mL. How many mL should the client receive?

An admitting nurse is assessing a client with COPD. The nurse auscultates diminished breath sounds. These findings indicated the nurse to monitor the client for what?

A client is ordered to receive atropine 0.3 mg IV stat. Atropine 0.4 mg per mL is available. How many milliliters will the nurse administer?

The physician orders warfarin (Coumadin) 10 mg PO to be administered to a client at 1800 today. The pharmacy only has 2.5 mg tablets available. How many tablets will the nurse administer?

A client has chest pain rated 8/10 as stated by the patient. The 12-lead ECG reveals ST elevation in the inferior leads and the lab results reveal cardiac enzyme levels are elevated. What is the highest priority for nursing management of this client at this time?

A patient with a history of atrial fibrillation has contacted the clinic saying that she has accidentally overdosed on her prescribed warfarin (Coumadin). The nurse should recognize the possible need for what antidote?

An emergency department nurse is assessing an adult woman for a suspected myocardial infarction (MI). When planning the assessment, the nurse should be aware that female patients may have which of the following symptoms for an MI? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)

A client is being admitted to the medical unit to rule out cardiac issues related to valve malfunction. Which question should the nurse ask the client during the admission interview to support this diagnosis?