Adult Health Nursing Test Bank Related

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A patient in the ICU develops acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by worsening dyspnea and increased sputum production. What intervention should the healthcare team prioritize to manage the patient's exacerbation?

  • A. Administer bronchodilator medications via nebulization for bronchodilation.
  • B. Initiate non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) for respiratory support.
  • C. Perform arterial blood gas analysis to assess oxygenation and ventilation.
  • D. Recommend chest physiotherapy to promote airway clearance.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Initiate non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) for respiratory support. In acute exacerbations of COPD, NIPPV helps improve ventilation and oxygenation, reducing the work of breathing and preventing the need for intubation. This intervention is a priority as it can rapidly stabilize the patient's respiratory status.

A: Administering bronchodilator medications is important in COPD management, but in severe exacerbations, NIPPV takes precedence.
C: Arterial blood gas analysis is important for assessing oxygenation and ventilation status, but it does not directly address the acute respiratory distress.
D: Chest physiotherapy can help with airway clearance in COPD, but in acute exacerbations, respiratory support with NIPPV is more urgent.