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 C

Explanation

A) This option is unnecessary because droplet precautions do not require a particulate filter mask. Particulate filter masks are needed for airborne precautions. Sending the UAP for fitting delays care without providing additional safety benefits for droplet precautions.

B) While a standard face mask is appropriate for droplet precautions, the part about getting fitted for a filter mask is unnecessary. It implies that a particulate filter mask is needed, which it is not for droplet precautions. This option also incorrectly suggests that vital signs can be obtained with a standard mask, but personal care requires a particulate filter mask, which is not accurate.

C) Droplet precautions require the use of a standard face mask, not a particulate filter mask (such as an N95 respirator). Particulate filter masks are required for airborne precautions, which are necessary for diseases like tuberculosis, measles, or chickenpox. For droplet precautions, a standard surgical mask is adequate to prevent the transmission of infections like influenza. Thus, the UAP can safely provide care to the client with flu-like symptoms by wearing a standard face mask.

D) This option is unnecessary because a particulate filter mask is not required for droplet precautions. Changing assignments based on this criterion is not needed and could disrupt the workflow without enhancing safety. The focus should be on ensuring staff understand and use the appropriate PPE for droplet precautions.

A. I should have taken some allergy medications before going on the hike. B. I should have eaten a snack halfway through the hike. C. My friend smoked cigarettes during the hike. D. I have been very stressed out lately and should work on stress management. E. I should have taken an extra dose of Fluticasone- Salmeterol.

Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"B"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"B"}}

Explanation

A. Understanding: The client recognizes that taking allergy medications before the hike might have helped prevent an exacerbation.

B. No understanding: The client doesn't realize that eating a snack could impact asthma symptoms. Proper education is needed here.

C. Understanding: The client acknowledges that exposure to cigarette smoke during the hike could have contributed to the exacerbation.

D. Understanding: The client identifies that stress management could be important in preventing asthma exacerbations.

E. No understanding: The client is not aware that taking an extra dose of Fluticasone-Salmeterol could have been beneficial. Further education is necessary.

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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

An unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) is assigned to a client with flu-like symptoms who has been placed on droplet precautions. The UAP requests a change in assignment, stating she has not yet been fitted for a particulate filter mask. Which action should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"B"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"B"}}

Explanation

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