A nurse is preparing to obtain a sputum specimen from a client. Which of the following nursing actions will facilitate obtaining the specimen?
- A. Limiting fluids.
- B. Having the client take three deep breaths and cough deeply.
- C. Asking the client to spit into the collection container.
- D. Asking the client to obtain the specimen after eating.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step 1: Taking deep breaths helps to bring sputum up from the lungs.
Step 2: Coughing deeply helps to further bring sputum up.
Step 3: This action facilitates the collection of a good sputum specimen.
Step 4: Limiting fluids can make sputum thicker and harder to expectorate.
Step 5: Asking the client to spit may result in saliva instead of sputum.
Step 6: Asking for a specimen after eating can lead to contamination.
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Which condition contributes to secondary pulmonary arterial hypertension by causing pulmonary capillary and alveolar damage?
- A. COPD
- B. Sarcoidosis
- C. Pulmonary fibrosis
- D. Pulmonary embolism
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this case, the correct answer should be D, as pulmonary embolism can lead to secondary pulmonary arterial hypertension by causing damage to the pulmonary capillaries and alveoli, resulting in increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries.
The client with sleep apnea has a nursing diagnosis of Sleep Deprivation related to disrupted sleep cycle. Which action should you delegate to the nursing assistant?
- A. Discuss weight loss strategies such as diet and exercise with the client.
- B. Teach client how to apply the BiPAP machine before sleeping.
- C. Remind client to sleep on his side instead of his back.
- D. Administer modafinil (Provigil) to promote daytime wakefulness.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Reminding the client to sleep on their side is a simple intervention suitable for a nursing assistant. Discussing weight loss strategies (A) and teaching BiPAP machine use (B) require more specialized knowledge. Administering medication (D) is outside the scope of practice for a nursing assistant.
Total alveolar surface area is reduced in
- A. lung cancer
- B. atelectasis
- C. emphysema
- D. pneumothorax
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: emphysema. Emphysema is a condition characterized by the destruction of alveolar walls, leading to a decrease in alveolar surface area for gas exchange. This reduction in surface area impairs the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs. In contrast, lung cancer (A) primarily affects lung tissue but may not directly reduce alveolar surface area. Atelectasis (B) refers to the collapse of lung tissue, which can impact ventilation but not necessarily alveolar surface area. Pneumothorax (D) is the presence of air in the pleural space and does not directly affect alveolar surface area.
The atmospheric pressure at sea level is
- A. 1,000mm Hg.
- B. 760mm Hg.
- C. 540mm Hg.
- D. 400mm Hg.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The atmospheric pressure at sea level is typically around 760mm Hg, which is equivalent to 101.3 kilopascals. This is the standard atmospheric pressure used in various scientific calculations. This value represents the pressure exerted by the weight of air above a given area at sea level. Choice B is correct because it accurately reflects the standard atmospheric pressure at sea level. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not match the accepted value for atmospheric pressure at sea level.
The inspiratory capacity is a total of what two pulmonary volumes?
- A. tidal volume and inspiratory reserve volume
- B. vital capacity and tidal volume
- C. vital capacity and inspiratory reserve volume
- D. residual volume and tidal volume
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The inspiratory capacity is the maximum volume of air that can be inhaled after a normal exhalation. It is the sum of tidal volume and inspiratory reserve volume. Tidal volume is the volume of air inhaled and exhaled during normal breathing, while inspiratory reserve volume is the additional air that can be inhaled after a normal inhalation. Therefore, the correct answer is A.
Summary of why other choices are incorrect:
B: Vital capacity is the maximum volume of air that can be exhaled after a maximum inhalation. It does not include tidal volume, so this choice is incorrect.
C: Vital capacity includes inspiratory reserve volume, not tidal volume, so this choice is incorrect.
D: Residual volume is the volume of air remaining in the lungs after maximal exhalation, not part of inspiratory capacity. Tidal volume is the only correct component in this choice.