A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of asthma. The nurse should monitor for which of the following signs of an asthma exacerbation?
- A. Decreased work of breathing.
- B. Increased wheezing and shortness of breath.
- C. Improved oxygen saturation.
- D. Decreased sputum production.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increased wheezing and shortness of breath. During an asthma exacerbation, bronchial airways become inflamed and narrowed, leading to increased wheezing and shortness of breath. This is a classic sign of worsening asthma. Other choices are incorrect because: A) Decreased work of breathing is not expected in an asthma exacerbation as the patient usually struggles to breathe. C) Improved oxygen saturation is unlikely as airway obstruction can lead to decreased oxygen levels. D) Decreased sputum production is not a typical sign of asthma exacerbation; in fact, increased sputum production may occur due to airway inflammation.
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A nurse is teaching a patient with diabetes about blood glucose management. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates proper understanding?
- A. I should check my blood glucose levels regularly and adjust my insulin as needed.
- B. I can stop taking my insulin if my blood glucose is normal.
- C. I should skip meals if my blood sugar is high.
- D. I should only use my insulin when my blood sugar is over 200 mg/dL.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
1. Regular blood glucose monitoring helps in understanding patterns and making informed decisions.
2. Adjusting insulin based on blood glucose levels is crucial for effective diabetes management.
3. This statement shows the patient's understanding of the need for personalized insulin adjustments.
4. It promotes self-management and proactive approach to blood sugar control.
Summary:
B: Stopping insulin abruptly can lead to dangerous complications.
C: Skipping meals can disrupt blood sugar levels and is not recommended.
D: Waiting for high blood sugar to use insulin can result in uncontrolled levels and complications.
When performing a physical assessment, the first technique the nurse will use is:
- A. Palpation
- B. Inspection
- C. Percussion
- D. Auscultation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Inspection. This is because visual observation is typically the initial step in a physical assessment to gather information about the patient's overall appearance, skin color, posture, and any obvious abnormalities. Palpation (A) involves touching and feeling for abnormalities, which usually follows inspection. Percussion (C) is the technique of tapping on the body to assess underlying structures, and auscultation (D) is listening to sounds produced by the body, both of which typically come after inspection and palpation. Inspecting the patient first allows the nurse to establish a baseline before moving on to more detailed assessment techniques.
A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of hypertension. The nurse should educate the patient to prioritize which of the following?
- A. Limiting sodium intake.
- B. Increasing potassium intake.
- C. Increasing fluid intake.
- D. Consuming more caffeine.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Limiting sodium intake. This is crucial for a patient with hypertension as excess sodium can lead to increased blood pressure. Sodium intake should be limited to lower the risk of cardiovascular complications.
B: Increasing potassium intake is beneficial, but not as critical as limiting sodium for hypertension management.
C: Increasing fluid intake may or may not be necessary depending on the patient's condition, but it is not as crucial as limiting sodium for hypertension management.
D: Consuming more caffeine can actually elevate blood pressure, so it is not recommended for patients with hypertension.
The nurse is planning health education for a 65-year-old woman who has had a cerebrovascular accident (stroke) and is aphasic. Which of the following is most important to use when assessing mental health in this situation?
- A. Please count back from 100 by sevens.
- B. I will name three items and ask you to repeat them in a few minutes.
- C. Please point to articles in the room and parts of the body as I name them.
- D. What would you do if you found a stamped, addressed envelope on the sidewalk?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Please point to articles in the room and parts of the body as I name them. This is the most important assessment for mental health in an aphasic patient post-stroke because it evaluates their comprehension, communication abilities, and cognitive function. Pointing to articles and body parts demonstrates understanding and ability to follow instructions, which are crucial aspects of mental health assessment in this context.
A: Please count back from 100 by sevens - This choice involves memory and mathematical abilities, which may not accurately assess mental health in an aphasic patient.
B: I will name three items and ask you to repeat them in a few minutes - This choice tests memory recall, which is not as relevant for assessing mental health in an aphasic patient post-stroke.
D: What would you do if you found a stamped, addressed envelope on the sidewalk? - This choice assesses problem-solving skills, which may not be the most appropriate indicator of mental health in an aphasic patient.
The nurse is interviewing a recent immigrant from Mexico. During the course of the interview, the man leans forward and then finally moves his chair close enough that his knees are nearly touching the nurse's. The nurse begins to feel uncomfortable with his proximity. Which of the following statements describes the most appropriate response by the nurse?
- A. Try to relax; this behaviour is culturally appropriate for this person.
- B. Discreetly move the chair back to a more comfortable distance, and then continue with the interview.
- C. These behaviours are indicative of sexual aggression, and the nurse should confront this person about them.
- D. The nurse should laugh but tell him that he or she is uncomfortable with the proximity and ask the person to move away.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: "Try to relax; this behavior is culturally appropriate for this person." In Mexican culture, close proximity during conversations is common and signifies engagement and trust. By understanding cultural differences, the nurse can avoid misinterpreting the behavior. Moving the chair back (choice B) may be seen as rude. Assuming sexual aggression (choice C) without evidence is inappropriate. Laughing and asking to move away (choice D) may embarrass the individual. Understanding and respecting cultural norms is crucial in providing effective care.