The nurse is caring for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which instruction should the LPN/LVN reinforce to the client to help manage their condition?
- A. Increase fluid intake to thin secretions.
- B. Practice pursed-lip breathing to improve oxygenation.
- C. Avoid physical activity to prevent dyspnea.
- D. Use a peak flow meter to monitor lung function.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Practicing pursed-lip breathing is an essential technique to help manage COPD as it can improve oxygenation by promoting better gas exchange. This technique helps to keep the airways open longer during exhalation, preventing air trapping and improving breathing efficiency. Increasing fluid intake can help thin secretions, which is beneficial, but it is not the primary instruction for managing COPD. Avoiding physical activity is not recommended as it can lead to deconditioning and worsen dyspnea in COPD patients. Using a peak flow meter is more commonly associated with monitoring asthma rather than COPD, so it is not the most relevant instruction for managing COPD.
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A client has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Which of the following interventions is a priority?
- A. Teach the client to use progressive relaxation techniques.
- B. Help the client find a local support group.
- C. Discuss the client's prior coping mechanisms.
- D. Develop a list of goals with the client.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When a client receives a terminal cancer diagnosis, it is crucial to prioritize developing a list of goals with the client. This process helps the client focus on what is important to them, set achievable objectives, and maintain a sense of purpose and control. Teaching relaxation techniques (choice A) may be beneficial for symptom management but is not the priority when confronting a terminal illness. While finding a local support group (choice B) can be valuable for emotional support, it does not directly address setting goals. Discussing prior coping mechanisms (choice C) can provide insights into the client's coping strategies but may not be as essential as establishing future goals in the face of a terminal illness.
While suctioning a client's nasopharynx, the nurse observes that the client's oxygen saturation remains at 94%, which is the same reading obtained prior to starting the procedure. What action should the nurse take in response to this finding?
- A. Complete the intermittent suction of the nasopharynx.
- B. Reposition the pulse oximeter clip to obtain a new reading.
- C. Stop suctioning until the pulse oximeter reading is above 95%.
- D. Apply an oxygen mask over the client's nose and mouth.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is to complete the intermittent suction of the nasopharynx. Since the oxygen saturation remains stable at 94%, which was the initial reading, it indicates that the procedure is not causing a significant drop in oxygen levels. Stopping the suctioning or applying oxygen may not be necessary as the saturation level is within an acceptable range. Repositioning the pulse oximeter clip is unlikely to change the reading significantly. Therefore, completing the procedure maintains care consistency and effectiveness, ensuring proper airway management without unnecessary interventions. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because repositioning the pulse oximeter clip, stopping suctioning until a higher reading is achieved, and applying oxygen are not warranted based on the stable oxygen saturation level of 94% throughout the procedure.
The healthcare provider is caring for a client with a suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which assessment finding should the healthcare provider report to the healthcare provider?
- A. Swelling and redness in the affected leg
- B. Pain in the affected leg
- C. Warmth and tenderness in the affected leg
- D. A positive Homans' sign
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A positive Homans' sign is a classic sign associated with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and indicates the presence of a blood clot. This finding is crucial to report to the healthcare provider promptly for further evaluation and treatment. Swelling, redness, pain, warmth, and tenderness in the affected leg are common signs of DVT, but a positive Homans' sign specifically points towards a potential blood clot, making it the priority finding to be reported. Reporting other symptoms may also be important, but a positive Homans' sign is more specific to DVT and requires immediate attention.
The nurse has admitted a 4-year-old with the diagnosis of possible rheumatic fever. Which statement by the parent would cause the nurse to suspect an association with this disease?
- A. Our child had chickenpox 6 months ago.
- B. Strep throat went through all the children at the day care last month.
- C. Both ears were infected over 3 months ago.
- D. Last week both feet had a fungal skin infection.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Rheumatic fever often follows a strep throat infection, which is why the nurse should suspect this association. Strep throat is caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria, which can trigger an abnormal immune response leading to rheumatic fever. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because chickenpox, ear infections, and fungal skin infections are not typically associated with rheumatic fever.
A client is having difficulty breathing while laying in bed with a nasal cannula delivering oxygen. Which of the following interventions should the nurse take first?
- A. Suction the client's airway
- B. Administer a bronchodilator
- C. Increase the humidity in the client's room
- D. Assist the client to an upright position
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to assist the client to an upright position. When a client is having difficulty breathing, promoting optimal oxygenation is essential. Elevating the head of the bed improves ventilation and lung expansion by reducing pressure on the diaphragm. This position allows the lungs to expand fully, enhancing oxygen exchange. Suctioning the airway may be necessary if there are secretions causing obstruction, but it is not the first intervention in this scenario. Administering a bronchodilator is appropriate for bronchoconstriction but does not address the immediate need for better ventilation. Increasing humidity can be beneficial in certain respiratory conditions, but it is not the initial priority when a client is struggling to breathe.