A nurse is providing education to a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The nurse should prioritize which of the following lifestyle changes?
- A. Quitting smoking.
- B. Increasing fluid intake.
- C. Increasing physical activity.
- D. Taking over-the-counter cold medications.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Quitting smoking. Smoking is the most important lifestyle change for a patient with COPD as it is the primary cause of the disease and continues to worsen symptoms. Quitting smoking can slow down the progression of COPD, decrease exacerbations, and improve overall lung function.
Summary of other choices:
B: Increasing fluid intake - While staying hydrated is important for overall health, it is not the top priority for a patient with COPD.
C: Increasing physical activity - Exercise is beneficial for COPD patients, but quitting smoking takes precedence as it directly impacts the disease progression.
D: Taking over-the-counter cold medications - Cold medications may provide temporary relief for symptoms, but they do not address the underlying cause of COPD which is smoking.
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A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic asthma. The nurse should monitor the patient for which of the following complications of asthma?
- A. Hypoglycemia.
- B. Oxygen toxicity.
- C. Hyperkalemia.
- D. Respiratory failure.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Respiratory failure. In chronic asthma, persistent inflammation and airway remodeling can lead to worsening lung function and respiratory distress, ultimately resulting in respiratory failure. Monitoring for signs of respiratory distress such as increased work of breathing, decreased oxygen saturation, and altered mental status is crucial.
A: Hypoglycemia is not a typical complication of asthma.
B: Oxygen toxicity is not a common complication in asthma management unless high concentrations of supplemental oxygen are administered for prolonged periods.
C: Hyperkalemia is not directly associated with asthma but may occur as a complication of certain asthma treatments or comorbid conditions.
Therefore, the priority complication to monitor in a patient with chronic asthma is respiratory failure due to the progressive nature of the disease and the potential for acute exacerbations.
A nurse is assessing a patient who is post-operative following a hip replacement. Which of the following is the most important nursing priority after surgery?
- A. Managing pain.
- B. Monitoring for infection.
- C. Preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
- D. Ensuring proper positioning.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It is the most important nursing priority after hip replacement surgery because patients are at high risk for DVT due to immobility and altered blood flow. DVT can lead to serious complications like pulmonary embolism. Monitoring for infection (B) is important but preventing DVT takes precedence. Managing pain (A) is essential but not the top priority. Ensuring proper positioning (D) is important for preventing complications, but DVT prevention is more critical post-hip replacement surgery.
A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of diabetes. The nurse should monitor for signs of which of the following complications?
- A. Hyperglycemia.
- B. Hypoglycemia.
- C. Dehydration.
- D. Hypotension.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hyperglycemia. Patients with diabetes are at risk for high blood sugar levels. Monitoring for hyperglycemia is crucial to prevent complications like diabetic ketoacidosis. Hypoglycemia (B) is low blood sugar, dehydration (C) is not directly related to diabetes unless it causes hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, and hypotension (D) is low blood pressure, which is not a common complication of diabetes. Regular monitoring for hyperglycemia helps in preventing diabetic complications.
While auscultating for heart sounds, the nurse hears an unfamiliar sounWhat should the nurse do next?
- A. Document the findings on the patient's record.
- B. Wait 10 minutes, and auscultate the heart again.
- C. Ask another nurse to double-check the finding.
- D. Ask the patient to take deep breaths and check for changes in their physical condition.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Document the findings on the patient's record. This is the appropriate action because documenting the unfamiliar sound ensures that the information is accurately recorded for future reference. Waiting 10 minutes (B) may not address the issue, as the sound could still be present. Asking another nurse to double-check (C) may lead to subjective interpretations. Asking the patient to take deep breaths (D) may not be relevant to identifying the unfamiliar sound. Recording the finding is crucial for tracking changes in the patient's condition and communicating with other healthcare professionals.
The nurse notices that the patient has a solid, elevated, circumscribed lesion that is less than 1 cm in diameter. When documenting this finding, the nurse would report this as a:
- A. Bulla.
- B. Wheal.
- C. Nodule.
- D. Papule.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Papule. A papule is a solid, elevated lesion that is less than 1 cm in diameter. It is circumscribed, meaning it has well-defined borders. Papules are often associated with skin conditions like acne or insect bites.
A: Bulla is a large fluid-filled blister, not a solid lesion.
B: Wheal is a raised, red area of skin that is typically transient and caused by an allergic reaction.
C: Nodule is a solid, elevated lesion that is greater than 1 cm in diameter, not less than 1 cm.