A client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen at 2 liters per minute via nasal cannula. The client is short of breath and has a pulse oximetry reading of 88%. What action should the LPN take first?
- A. Increase the oxygen flow rate to 4 liters per minute.
- B. Reposition the client to a high Fowler's position.
- C. Notify the healthcare provider of the client's condition.
- D. Encourage the client to use pursed-lip breathing.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Repositioning the client to a high Fowler's position should be the first action taken by the LPN. This position helps improve oxygenation by maximizing lung expansion, making it easier for the client to breathe. Increasing the oxygen flow rate without addressing positioning may not fully optimize oxygen delivery. Notifying the healthcare provider should come after immediate interventions. Encouraging pursed-lip breathing is beneficial but should follow the initial positioning to further assist the client in managing their breathing difficulty.
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When working with a client who does not speak the same language as the nurse and an interpreter is present, which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Talk directly to the client, instead of the interpreter, when speaking.
- B. Speak loudly to the interpreter.
- C. Use gestures to communicate with the client.
- D. Avoid using an interpreter and rely on family members.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When caring for a client who speaks a different language, it is essential to communicate through an interpreter. Talking directly to the client, rather than the interpreter, ensures clear and respectful interaction. Speaking loudly to the interpreter (choice B) is not necessary and may be perceived as disrespectful. Using gestures (choice C) alone may lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations. Avoiding the use of an interpreter and relying solely on family members (choice D) can compromise the accuracy and confidentiality of the communication.
A client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is being discharged with home oxygen therapy. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I will keep my oxygen tank upright at all times.
- B. I will not use petroleum jelly to keep my nose from drying out.
- C. I will not smoke or allow others to smoke around me.
- D. I will call my doctor if I have difficulty breathing.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Petroleum jelly is flammable and should not be used with oxygen therapy as it can increase the risk of fire. Using petroleum jelly near oxygen can lead to a fire hazard. Choices A, C, and D are correct statements that indicate proper understanding of oxygen therapy safety measures. Choice A emphasizes the importance of keeping the oxygen tank upright to prevent leaks, choice C highlights the necessity of avoiding smoking to prevent exacerbation of COPD, and choice D encourages seeking medical help promptly in case of breathing difficulties.
A client is on bed rest following an abdominal surgery. Which of the following findings indicates the need to increase the frequency of position changes?
- A. Flat rash on the client's ankle
- B. Non-blanching red area over the client's trochanter
- C. Ecchymosis on the client's left shoulder
- D. Petechiae on the client's right anterior thigh
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The presence of a non-blanching red area over the client's trochanter is a concerning finding as it indicates possible pressure ulcer formation. This finding necessitates an increase in the frequency of position changes to prevent skin breakdown. Choices A, C, and D do not directly correlate with the need for increased position changes. A flat rash, ecchymosis, and petechiae may have different causes and would not be addressed by changing the client's position more frequently.
A client has a sodium level of 125 mEq/L. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Abdominal cramping
- B. Increased thirst
- C. Elevated blood pressure
- D. Elevated heart rate
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Abdominal cramping is a common manifestation of hyponatremia (low sodium levels). When sodium levels drop, it can lead to changes in the body's water balance, affecting cell function and causing symptoms like abdominal cramping. Increased thirst (choice B) is more commonly associated with hypernatremia (high sodium levels) due to the body's attempt to dilute the excess sodium. Elevated blood pressure (choice C) and elevated heart rate (choice D) are not typically direct manifestations of low sodium levels and are more commonly seen in conditions like dehydration or shock.
A healthcare professional is caring for a client who has a prescription for a stool specimen to be sent to the laboratory to be tested for ova and parasites. Which of the following instructions regarding specimen collection should the healthcare professional provide to the assistive personnel?
- A. Collect at least 2 inches of formed stool.
- B. Wear sterile gloves while obtaining the specimen.
- C. Use a culturette for specimen collection.
- D. Record the date and time the stool was collected.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: To ensure accurate testing, a minimum amount of stool is required for specimen collection, typically at least 2 inches of formed stool. This amount provides an adequate sample for testing. Wearing sterile gloves is important for infection control but is not specifically required for stool specimen collection. Using a culturette is not typically necessary for collecting stool specimens. Recording the date and time the stool was collected is essential to ensure timely processing but does not directly impact the collection of the specimen itself.