What nursing intervention enhances the nutritional status of a patient with COPD?
Offer small frequent meals
Encourage extra liquids with meals
Assist the patient to exercise before meals
Supply information about nutrition
The Correct Answer is A
A. Offer small frequent meals
Offering small, frequent meals is beneficial for patients with COPD because it helps overcome the challenges associated with dyspnea and fatigue. Large meals can cause discomfort and increase the effort required for breathing, which can exacerbate respiratory symptoms. By providing smaller, more manageable portions of food throughout the day, patients with COPD can maintain their energy levels and meet their nutritional needs without experiencing excessive respiratory distress.
B. Encourage extra liquids with meals
Encouraging extra liquids with meals can help prevent dehydration and thin respiratory secretions, making it easier for patients with COPD to manage their respiratory symptoms. However, excessive fluid intake can also lead to feelings of fullness and discomfort, especially in patients with compromised lung function. Therefore, while it's important to encourage adequate hydration, particularly during meals, it's also essential to balance fluid intake to avoid exacerbating respiratory symptoms.
C. Assist the patient to exercise before meals
While regular exercise is beneficial for overall health and can help improve respiratory function in patients with COPD, exercising immediately before meals may not be practical or advisable for all patients. Patients with COPD may experience fatigue and dyspnea during physical activity, which can affect their ability to eat and digest food effectively. Additionally, exercising before meals may increase energy expenditure and exacerbate respiratory symptoms, making it more challenging for patients to consume an adequate amount of nutrients. Instead, patients with COPD may benefit from engaging in light physical activity or respiratory exercises at a different time of day to improve their respiratory function and overall well-being.
D. Supply information about nutrition
Providing information about nutrition is essential for patients with COPD to help them make healthy dietary choices and manage their condition effectively. However, simply supplying information may not be sufficient to enhance the nutritional status of patients with COPD. It's important to offer practical guidance and support, such as meal planning tips, dietary modifications, and strategies for overcoming barriers to healthy eating. Additionally, individualized dietary counseling from a registered dietitian can be beneficial for patients with COPD to address specific nutritional needs and preferences.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Withhold food and liquids until the client's gag reflex returns.
This is the correct action. After a bronchoscopy, the client's throat may be numb or irritated from the procedure, which can temporarily impair the gag reflex. Withholding food and liquids until the gag reflex returns reduces the risk of aspiration, where food or liquid enters the airway instead of the stomach. Aspiration can lead to pneumonia and other serious complications. Therefore, it's essential to assess the client's gag reflex before allowing them to eat or drink.
B. Irrigate the client's throat every 4 hours.
This action is not necessary and may even be harmful. Irrigating the client's throat every 4 hours could further irritate the throat and increase discomfort for the client. Unless specifically ordered by the healthcare provider for a specific reason, such as to remove secretions or debris, routine irrigation of the throat is not recommended after a bronchoscopy.
C. Have the client refrain from talking for 24 hours.
There is typically no need for the client to refrain from talking for 24 hours after a bronchoscopy. While the client may experience some throat discomfort and hoarseness, restricting talking for such an extended period is unnecessary and may cause undue stress or anxiety for the client. Unless specifically instructed by the healthcare provider for a valid reason, such as to allow vocal cord healing, there is no need to restrict talking for such a long duration.
D. Suction the client's oropharynx frequently.
Frequent suctioning of the client's oropharynx is not indicated unless there is a specific medical reason to do so. Excessive suctioning can cause trauma to the mucous membranes, increase the risk of infection, and exacerbate throat irritation. The decision to suction should be based on clinical assessment, such as evidence of secretions or if the client is having difficulty clearing their airway, rather than being performed routinely.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Muscle twitching
Muscle twitching is not a typical manifestation of oxygen toxicity. Instead, muscle twitching may be indicative of other conditions such as electrolyte imbalances (e.g., hypocalcemia or hypomagnesemia), neuromuscular disorders, or overstimulation of the nervous system.
B. Metallic taste in mouth
A metallic taste in the mouth is not commonly associated with oxygen toxicity. Instead, a metallic taste in the mouth may occur as a side effect of certain medications, dental issues, or as a symptom of other medical conditions such as acid reflux or oral infections.
C. Facial flushing
Facial flushing is a characteristic finding in oxygen toxicity. When exposed to high levels of oxygen over an extended period, individuals may experience facial flushing due to the vasodilatory effects of oxygen on blood vessels. This dilation of blood vessels leads to increased blood flow to the face, resulting in flushing or reddening of the skin.
D. Periorbital edema
Periorbital edema, or swelling around the eyes, is not a typical manifestation of oxygen toxicity. Instead, periorbital edema may occur as a result of various other conditions such as allergies, sinusitis, or fluid retention. It is not directly related to exposure to high levels of oxygen.

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