The nurse is assessing an older adult client in the emergency room. Upon assessment, the nurse notes that the client is in the tripod position, has dyspnea at rest, wheezing upon auscultation, and an oxygen saturation level of 91%. What significant health problem might the nurse suspect?

Pneumonia

Chronic emphysema

Pneumothorax

Congestive heart failure

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Pneumonia typically presents with fever, productive cough, and crackles rather than wheezing and tripod positioning.
B. Chronic emphysema is correct. The tripod position (leaning forward, hands on knees) is a classic sign of severe obstructive lung disease, such as emphysema or COPD. Wheezing and dyspnea at rest suggest air trapping and difficulty exhaling, which are hallmarks of this condition. The oxygen saturation of 91% is common in COPD patients due to chronic hypoxemia.
C. Pneumothorax presents with sudden onset chest pain, absent breath sounds on one side, and tracheal deviation (if severe) rather than wheezing.
D. Congestive heart failure can cause dyspnea but typically presents with crackles due to pulmonary edema rather than wheezing and tripod positioning.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. The colon does not secrete bile; bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder.
B. The colon does absorb electrolytes, but its primary function is water absorption, which helps form solid stool.
C. The colon does not secrete digestive enzymes; enzyme secretion occurs primarily in the stomach and small intestine.
D. The colon's primary function is absorbing large amounts of water, which helps maintain fluid balance and form feces. Disruptions, such as in colon cancer, can lead to diarrhea or constipation.

A. Palpate for pitting edema. B. Assess for oral temperature. C. Inspect the oral mucosa. D. Auscultate adventitious lung sounds.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Palpating for pitting edema assesses for fluid overload, but this client is more likely experiencing fluid deficit rather than retention.
B. Assessing oral temperature is important, but there is no indication of infection or fever contributing to fluid loss in this scenario.
C. Inspecting the oral mucosa is correct because the client's total intake (1,245 mL) is significantly lower than their total output (1,928 mL), indicating a negative fluid balance. Signs of dehydration, such as dry oral mucosa, should be assessed first.
D. Auscultating adventitious lung sounds is relevant for fluid overload but is not the priority in a case of fluid deficit.

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The nurse is assessing an older adult client in the emergency room. Upon assessment, the nurse notes that the client is in the tripod position, has dyspnea at rest, wheezing upon auscultation, and an oxygen saturation level of 91%. What significant health problem might the nurse suspect?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is caring for a client who has been diagnosed with colon cancer. When planning the client's care, the nurse should be aware of what function of the colon?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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