A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is struggling to breathe. What should the nurse do first?
- A. Increase the oxygen flow rate according to the prescription
- B. Encourage the client to perform pursed-lip breathing
- C. Prepare for emergency intubation
- D. Assess the client's oxygen saturation and breath sounds
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct first action for a nurse when a client with COPD is struggling to breathe is to assess the client's oxygen saturation and breath sounds. This initial assessment is crucial in determining the severity of the client's condition and the appropriate intervention. Increasing the oxygen flow rate without proper assessment can potentially be harmful, as COPD clients have a risk of retaining carbon dioxide. Encouraging pursed-lip breathing can be beneficial but should come after assessing the client's current status. Emergency intubation is a drastic measure and should only be considered after a comprehensive assessment indicates the need for it.
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Which client will benefit most from the application of pneumatic compression devices to the lower extremities? The client who
- A. is immobile on prescribed bedrest.
- B. has pressure ulcers on several toes.
- C. has diminished pedal pulse volume.
- D. is confused and trying to climb out of bed.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Pneumatic compression devices are most beneficial for immobile clients on prescribed bedrest to prevent deep vein thrombosis. Applying these devices helps in promoting circulation and preventing blood clots. Choices B, C, and D do not specifically relate to the primary indication for pneumatic compression devices, making them incorrect. Pressure ulcers, diminished pedal pulse volume, and confusion with climbing out of bed may require different interventions or treatments.
The healthcare provider reviews the laboratory results of a client whose serum pH is 7.38. What does this value imply about the client's homeostasis?
- A. Alkalosis
- B. Acidosis
- C. Normal serum pH
- D. Incompatible with life
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A pH of 7.38 falls within the normal range (7.35-7.45), indicating that the client's acid-base balance is adequately maintained. Choices A and B are incorrect as alkalosis and acidosis refer to abnormal pH levels. Choice D is incorrect as a pH of 7.38 within the normal range is compatible with life.
A nurse is developing a care plan for a client with chronic pain. What interventions should be included to help manage pain?
- A. Administer pain medication around the clock
- B. Teach relaxation techniques
- C. Encourage physical activity
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In managing chronic pain, it is essential to employ a multi-faceted approach. Administering pain medication around the clock helps maintain consistent pain relief. Teaching relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or guided imagery can help reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation, which can alleviate pain. Encouraging physical activity, tailored to the client's abilities, can help improve overall physical functioning and reduce pain perception. Therefore, combining all these interventions (pain medication, relaxation techniques, and physical activity) provides a comprehensive approach to pain management, addressing different aspects of the client's experience with chronic pain. This holistic approach is more effective than using a single intervention alone, making 'All of the above' the correct choice.
The nurse is assessing an older resident with a history of Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy and identifies a distended bladder. What should the nurse do?
- A. Stand the client to void and run tap water within hearing distance before catheterizing
- B. Straight catheterize and if the residual urine volume is greater than 100 mL, clamp catheter
- C. Catheterize q2h and place in an indwelling catheter at the end of the prescribed 24hr period
- D. Catheterize with an indwelling catheter and if the residual volume is greater than 100 mL, inflate the balloon
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
While caring for a client who is being mechanically ventilated, the nurse responds to a high-pressure alarm on the ventilator. Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?
- A. Endotracheal cuff pressure greater than 25 cm H2O.
- B. Decreased lung compliance during ventilation.
- C. Bilateral crackles with increased secretions.
- D. Restless client who is biting the endotracheal tube.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A restless client biting the endotracheal tube can increase airway resistance, triggering the high-pressure alarm and indicating a need for immediate intervention. This behavior can lead to complications such as dislodgement of the tube or airway obstruction. Endotracheal cuff pressure greater than 25 cm H2O, decreased lung compliance, and bilateral crackles with increased secretions are important assessments but do not directly address the urgent need to intervene when a high-pressure alarm is triggered.