The nurse is caring for a client newly diagnosed with emphysema. The nurse should prioritize which potential complication?
Self-care deficit.
Activity intolerance.
Impaired gas exchange.
Ineffective airway clearance.
The Correct Answer is C
Emphysema is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by the destruction of lung tissue and loss of elasticity in the alveoli. This leads to poor gas exchange, specifically the reduced ability of oxygen to enter the bloodstream and carbon dioxide to be eliminated from the body. Impaired gas exchange can result in hypoxemia and hypercapnia, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and decreased exercise tolerance.
While self-care deficit, activity intolerance, and ineffective airway clearance are all potential complications associated with emphysema, impaired gas exchange is the priority due to its direct impact on the client's oxygenation and overall respiratory function.
Addressing impaired gas exchange and optimizing oxygenation is essential to support the client's respiratory health and prevent further complications. Management strategies for impaired gas exchange may include administering supplemental oxygen, implementing respiratory treatments to improve lung function, and providing education on breathing techniques and energy conservation.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A 12-year-old reporting neck, arm, and lower back discomfort:
- This child is reporting discomfort, which is concerning, but it doesn't indicate an immediate life-threatening condition. However, a thorough assessment is needed to rule out any serious injuries, especially to the spine.
B. An 8-year-old with a full leg air splint for a possible broken tibia:
- While a possible broken tibia requires attention, it is not as immediately critical as symptoms such as projectile vomiting. Splinting can help stabilize the limb, but it is not an emergency that requires immediate attention compared to potential neurological issues.
C. A 6-year-old with multiple superficial lacerations of all extremities:
- Superficial lacerations, although they require care, are generally not immediately life-threatening. The child needs appropriate wound care and assessment for any deeper injuries, but this can be addressed in a timely manner without immediate urgency.
D. An 11-year-old with a headache, nausea, and projectile vomiting:
- This is the most concerning presentation among the options. Headache, nausea, and projectile vomiting could be indicative of a severe head injury, and these neurological symptoms require urgent evaluation to assess for conditions such as a concussion, intracranial bleed, or increased intracranial pressure.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
A) Correct- This is correct advice. Juice is not recommended for infants due to its high sugar content and lack of essential nutrients. It can contribute to excessive calorie intake and dental caries.
B) Incorrect- This is not accurate for a 9-month-old infant. By 9 months, most infants have already started to transition to solid foods, and their primary source of nutrition should be from a variety of solid foods, not formula.
C) Correct- This is correct advice. By 9 months, infants can begin to consume a variety of complementary foods to meet their nutritional needs. Adding raw fruit, cheese, or cooked vegetables can provide important nutrients and help introduce different tastes and textures.
D) Correct- As infants transition to solid foods, they typically require more frequent meals and snacks to meet their energy and nutrient needs. Breast milk or formula intake may also gradually decrease as solid foods are introduced.
E) Incorrect- Fluoride supplementation may be considered based on the fluoride content of the water supply and the child's risk of dental caries. However, this advice is not specific to the child's nutrition and feeding progression.
F. Incorrect- At 9 months, infants should not transition to whole cow's milk as their main source of nutrition. Breast milk or infant formula remains the primary source of nutrition, and cow's milk can be introduced as a beverage and ingredient in cooking after the first year of life.
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