Nokea
A client arrives at the physician's office stating 2 days of febrile illness, dyspnea, and cough. Upon assisting the client into a gown, the nurse notes that the client's sternum is depressed, especially on inspiration. Crackles are noted in the bases of the lung fields. Based on inspection, which will the nurse document?
- A. The client has a funnel chest.
- B. The client has chronic respiratory disease.
- C. The client has pneumonia in the bases.
- D. The client needs a cough suppressant.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The question asks for a documentation based on inspection. A funnel chest, known as pectus excavatum, has the sternum depressed from the second intercostal space, and it is more pronounced on inspiration. The nurse would not diagnose chronic respiratory disease or pneumonia. The client would also not prescribe a cough suppressant.
You may also like to solve these questions
The client is returning from the operating room following a bronchoscopy. Which action, performed by the nursing assistant, would the nurse stop if began prior to nursing assessment?
- A. The nursing assistant is assisting the client to a semi-Fowler's position.
- B. The nursing assistant is assisting the client to the side of the bed to use a urinal.
- C. The nursing assistant is pouring a glass of water to wet the client's mouth.
- D. The nursing assistant is asking a question requiring a verbal response.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When completing a procedure which sends a scope down the throat, the gag reflex is anesthetized to reduce discomfort. Upon returning to the nursing unit, the gag reflex must be assessed before providing any food or fluids to the client. The client may need assistance following the procedure for activity and ambulation but this is not restricted in the post-procedure period.
The nurse is caring for a client whose respiratory status has declined since shift report. The client has tachypnea, is restless, and displays cyanosis. Which diagnostic test should the nurse perform first?
- A. Arterial blood gases
- B. Pulmonary function test
- C. Pulse oximetry
- D. Chest x-ray
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Pulse oximetry is a noninvasive method to determine arterial oxygen saturation. Normal values are 95% and above. Using this diagnostic test first provides rapid information of the client's respiratory system. All other options vary in amount of time and patient participation in determining further information regarding the respiratory system.
The nurse is caring for an adolescent client injured in a snowboarding accident. The client has a head injury, a fractured right rib, and various abrasions and contusions. The client has a blood pressure of 142/88 mm Hg, pulse of 102 beats/minute, and respirations of 26 breaths/minute. Which laboratory test best provides data on a potential impairment in ventilation?
- A. Blood gases
- B. Complete blood count
- C. Blood chemistry
- D. Serum alkaline phosphate
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Blood gases report the partial pressure of oxygen, which is dissolved in the blood. Normal readings are 80 to 100 mm Hg. By documenting oxygen levels in the blood, the nurse recognizes the current ventilation. The complete blood count provides information regarding number of blood cells, which can relate to the disease processes such as anemia and infection. The blood chemistry provides information on liver/renal function and electrolytes within the system. Serum alkaline phosphate is a laboratory test used to help detect liver disease and bone disorders.
The client has just had an invasive procedure to assess the respiratory system. What does the nurse know should be assessed on this client?
- A. Watery sputum
- B. Loss of consciousness
- C. Respiratory distress
- D. Masses in pleural space
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: After invasive procedures, the nurse must carefully check for signs of respiratory distress and blood-streaked sputum. Masses in the pleural space are a condition that affects fremitus. General examination of overall health and condition includes assessing the consciousness of a client.
The nurse is analyzing a client's blood pH of 7.1. Which symptom would indicate that the client's body is working to stabilize?
- A. Respirations are increasing.
- B. Urine output is decreased.
- C. Heart rate is regular.
- D. WBC count is within normal limits.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Increased CO2 mechanism, which is present in body fluids primarily as carbonic acid, causes the pH to decrease below 7.4. As a homeostatic mechanism to normalize pH, the lungs eliminate carbonic acid by blowing off more CO2. Respirations increase to normalize pH. None of the other symptoms note a reflection of stabilizing blood pH.