health assessment exam 1 test bank Related

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A nurse is assessing a 45-year-old male patient with a history of smoking. The nurse would be most concerned if the patient reports:

  • A. Shortness of breath with minimal exertion.
  • B. Occasional cough with mucus production.
  • C. Slight wheezing after physical activity.
  • D. Experiencing no symptoms related to smoking.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because shortness of breath with minimal exertion indicates possible respiratory distress, which can be a sign of significant lung damage from smoking. This symptom suggests a decreased ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide efficiently, potentially leading to serious health complications.

Choice B is incorrect because an occasional cough with mucus production is common in smokers and may not be as alarming as shortness of breath.
Choice C is incorrect as slight wheezing after physical activity could be due to exercise-induced asthma rather than solely smoking-related issues.
Choice D is incorrect because even though the patient may not be experiencing symptoms related to smoking currently, it does not rule out potential underlying lung damage or future health risks associated with smoking.