The nurse is caring for a client admitted with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who reports a pounding headache. Which action should the nurse take?

Elevate head of bed no higher than 30 degrees.

Affirm blood glucose is below 160 mg/dL (8.88 mmol/L)

Check for a stat intravenous diuretic prescription.

Obtain a manual blood pressure measurement.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A pounding headache in a client with COPD may be a symptom of increased carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the blood, known as hypercapnia. Hypercapnia can lead to vasodilation, resulting in headaches. In this situation, it is crucial to assess the client's blood pressure to determine if it is elevated, as this could be contributing to the headache.

Obtaining a manual blood pressure measurement allows for a more accurate assessment of the client's blood pressure compared to automated measurements. It is important to assess both systolic and diastolic blood pressures, as elevated blood pressure can worsen headaches and have other negative effects on the client's health.

Elevating the head of the bed no higher than 30 degrees is a general measure used to improve respiratory function in clients with COPD. However, in this specific situation, it may not directly address the pounding headache. Elevating the head of the bed can help reduce dyspnea and improve oxygenation, but it may not alleviate the headache caused by hypercapnia.

Affirming blood glucose levels are below 160 mg/dL (8.88 mmol/L) is not the primary concern in this case. While high blood glucose levels can have various effects on the body, including headaches, the priority is to assess the client's blood pressure due to the specific context of a COPD exacerbation.

Checking for a stat intravenous diuretic prescription is not necessary in response to the client's headache. Diuretics are typically used to remove excess fluid from the body and may not directly address the underlying cause of the headache in this situation.

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Correct Answer is ["9"]

Explanation

Here are the steps you can follow to calculate the infusion pump flow rate:

Step 1: Calculate the prescribed dose in mcg/min

Dose per weight: 2 mcg/kg/min * 60 kg = 120 mcg/min

Step 2: Convert the concentration in the IV bag to mcg/mL

Convert mg to mcg: 200 mg * 1000 mcg/mg = 200,000 mcg
Concentration: 200,000 mcg / 250 mL = 800 mcg/mL

Step 3: Calculate the flow rate in mL/min

Flow rate: 120 mcg/min / 800 mcg/mL = 0.15 mL/min

Step 4: Convert the flow rate to mL/hour

Hour conversion: 0.15 mL/min * 60 min/hour = 9 mL/hour

Therefore, the nurse should program the infusion pump to deliver 9 mL/hour.

A. Palpate all peripheral pulse points for volume and strength. B. Monitor the amount of drainage from the client's incision. C. Observe both lower extremities for redness and swelling. D. Evaluate the client's ability to use an incentive spirometer.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The correct answer is choice C. Observe both lower extremities for redness and swelling.

Choice A rationale:

Palpating all peripheral pulse points for volume and strength is important for assessing circulation, but it does not directly evaluate the effectiveness of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices.IPC devices are primarily used to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and improve venous return, so monitoring for signs of DVT is more relevant.

Choice B rationale:

Monitoring the amount of drainage from the client’s incision is crucial for assessing wound healing and detecting potential infections, but it is not related to the effectiveness of IPC devices.

Choice C rationale:

Observing both lower extremities for redness and swelling is the most important assessment for evaluating the effectiveness of IPC devices. Redness and swelling can be signs of DVT, which IPC devices are designed to prevent.Therefore, this assessment directly measures whether the devices are functioning as intended.

Choice D rationale:

Evaluating the client’s ability to use an incentive spirometer is important for preventing postoperative pulmonary complications, but it does not assess the effectiveness of IPC devices.

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The nurse is caring for a client admitted with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who reports a pounding headache. Which action should the nurse take?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The healthcare provider prescribes dopamine 2 mcg/kg/min intravenously (IV) for client who weighs 60 kg. The IV bag contains dopamine 200 mg in dextrose 5% in water (DW) 250 mL. The nurse should program the infusion pump to deliver how many mL/hour? (Enter numerical value only.)

Correct Answer is ["9"]

Explanation

In evaluating the effectiveness of a postoperative client's intermittent pneumatic compression devices, which assessment is most important for the nurse to complete?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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