The client diagnosed with a community-acquired pneumonia is being admitted to the medical unit. Which nursing intervention has the highest priority?
- A. Administer the ordered oral antibiotic immediately (STAT).
- B. Order the meal tray to be delivered as soon as possible.
- C. Obtain a sputum specimen for culture and sensitivity.
- D. Have the unlicensed assistive personnel weigh the client.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Obtaining sputum culture (C) before antibiotics ensures accurate pathogen identification, a priority. Antibiotics (A) follow, meals (B) and weight (D) are less urgent.
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Select all the following that can trigger an asthma attack:
- A. Sulfites
- B. Smoke
- C. Caffeine
- D. GERD
- E. Cold, windy weather
- F. Beta agonist
- G. Cockroaches
Correct Answer: A,B,D,E,G
Rationale: Triggers include sulfites, smoke, GERD, cold weather, and cockroaches. Caffeine and beta agonists are not typical triggers; beta agonists are treatments.
The client diagnosed with ARDS is in respiratory distress and the ventilator is malfunctioning. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Notify the respiratory therapist immediately.
- B. Ventilate with a manual resuscitation bag.
- C. Request STAT arterial blood gases.
- D. Auscultate the client's lung sounds.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Manual ventilation (B) ensures oxygenation during ventilator failure, a priority. Notification (A), ABGs (C), and auscultation (D) follow.
Which statement best suggests that the client understands the nurse's instruction on how to handle the sputum specimen container?
- A. I should wipe the container with an alcohol swab.
- B. I must not touch the inside of the container.
- C. I cannot put the lid on the container until the container is fairly full.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Not touching the inside of the container prevents contamination, ensuring an accurate sputum sample.
The nurse suspects the client admitted with a near-drowning is developing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Which data support the nurse's suspicion?
- A. The client's arterial blood gases are within normal limits.
- B. The client appears anxious, has dyspnea, and is tachypneic.
- C. The client has intercostal retractions and is using accessory muscles.
- D. The client has bilateral lung sounds with crackles and rhonchi.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Intercostal retractions and accessory muscle use (C) indicate severe respiratory distress, consistent with ARDS due to increased work of breathing from reduced lung compliance. Normal ABGs (A) contradict ARDS, which involves hypoxia. Anxiety, dyspnea, and tachypnea (B) are non-specific. Crackles and rhonchi (D) may occur but are less specific than physical signs of distress.
Which nursing measure is most helpful in reducing the client's anxiety during an asthma attack?
- A. Close the door to the examination room.
- B. Remain within the client's view.
- C. Pull the bedside privacy curtain.
- D. Notify the client when the respiratory therapist arrives.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Remaining within the client's view provides reassurance and reduces anxiety by ensuring the client feels supported during an asthma attack.
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