The nurse is caring for a client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who is receiving oxygen therapy. Which assessment should the nurse prioritize?
Monitor oxygen saturation
Check skin color
Assess for chest pain
Measure blood pressure
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Monitoring oxygen saturation is critical in COPD, as oxygen therapy aims to maintain saturation (88–92%) to prevent hypoxia. Pulse oximetry ensures adequate oxygenation, guiding therapy adjustments, making it the priority assessment to prevent respiratory failure and optimize lung function.
Choice B reason: Checking skin color assesses cyanosis but is less precise than oxygen saturation. Pulse oximetry provides objective data on oxygenation in COPD, guiding oxygen therapy, making it the priority over subjective visual assessments, which are secondary to quantitative measures.
Choice C reason: Assessing chest pain is relevant for cardiac issues but not the primary concern in COPD oxygen therapy. Oxygen saturation directly evaluates therapy effectiveness, preventing hypoxia, making it the priority assessment to ensure respiratory stability in chronic lung disease.
Choice D reason: Measuring blood pressure monitors cardiovascular status but is secondary to oxygenation in COPD. Oxygen saturation is critical, as hypoxia exacerbates respiratory distress, requiring immediate assessment to adjust oxygen therapy, making it the priority over hemodynamic evaluations.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Hepatorenal failure involves liver and kidney dysfunction, typically from chronic liver disease or shock. Elevated amylase and lipase, with pain and vomiting, point to pancreatic inflammation, not hepatorenal issues. Pancreatitis is more consistent with the client’s post-cholecystectomy presentation and lab findings.
Choice B reason: Biliary duct obstruction causes jaundice and elevated bilirubin, not amylase or lipase. Pain may radiate, but vomiting and fever with high pancreatic enzymes suggest pancreatitis, a known post-cholecystectomy complication, rather than a blocked bile duct, which lacks pancreatic enzyme elevation.
Choice C reason: Surgical site infection causes localized pain, erythema, and fever but not elevated amylase or lipase. Radiating pain and vomiting align with pancreatitis, not wound infection. Pancreatic enzyme elevation is specific to pancreatic inflammation, making infection less likely than pancreatitis in this scenario.
Choice D reason: Acute pancreatitis is characterized by elevated amylase and lipase, epigastric pain radiating to the back, vomiting, and fever. Post-cholecystectomy, bile duct manipulation or gallstone migration can trigger pancreatitis. These findings align perfectly with the client’s symptoms and lab results, making it the correct condition.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Delegating oral care to UAP is appropriate for routine hygiene in AIDS patients with candidiasis. Leaving oral care solely to the nurse is unnecessary unless complex treatments are required. A soft-bristled toothbrush ensures safe, effective cleaning, supporting UAP involvement in standard oral hygiene.
Choice B reason: A soft-bristled toothbrush is ideal for oral care in candidiasis, as it gently cleans without traumatizing painful ulcers. In AIDS, oral hygiene reduces fungal load and discomfort. This instruction ensures safe, effective care by UAP, aligning with standard hygiene practices for mucosal infections.
Choice C reason: Sterile gloves are unnecessary for routine oral care, as candidiasis is not highly contagious in this context. Standard precautions, including clean gloves, suffice for UAP performing hygiene. Requiring sterile gloves is excessive, complicating care without added benefit compared to using a soft toothbrush.
Choice D reason: Mouthwash may irritate candidiasis ulcers, especially if alcohol-based, and is not the priority. Brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush effectively cleans the mouth without causing trauma. Mouthwash is secondary and requires nurse oversight to ensure compatibility with the client’s condition, unlike brushing.
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