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The nurse caring for a patient recently diagnosed with lung disease encourages the patient not to smoke. What is the primary rationale behind this nursing action?
- A. Smoking decreases the amount of mucus production
- B. Smoke particles compete for binding sites on hemoglobin
- C. Smoking causes atrophy of the alveoli
- D. Smoking damages the ciliary cleansing mechanism
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In addition to irritating the mucous cells of the bronchi and inhibiting the function of alveolar macrophage (scavenger) cells, smoking damages the ciliary cleansing mechanism of the respiratory tract. Smoking also increases the amount of mucus production and distends the alveoli in the lungs. It reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of hemoglobin, but not by directly competing for binding sites.
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The nurse is caring for a patient at risk for atelectasis. The nurse implements a first-line measure to prevent atelectasis development in the patient. What is an example of a first-line measure to minimize atelectasis?
- A. Incentive spirometry
- B. Intermittent positive-pressure breathing (IPPB)
- C. Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP)
- D. Bronchoscopy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Strategies to prevent atelectasis, which include frequent turning, early ambulation, lung-volume expansion maneuvers (deep breathing exercises, incentive spirometry), and coughing, serve as the first-line measures to minimize or treat atelectasis by improving ventilation. In patients who do not respond to first-line measures or who cannot perform deep-breathing exercises, other treatments such as positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), continuous or intermittent positive-pressure breathing (IPPB), or bronchoscopy may be used.
The nurse is caring for a patient suspected of having ARDS. What is the most likely diagnostic test ordered in the early stages of this disease to differentiate the patients symptoms from those of a cardiac etiology?
- A. Carboxyhemoglobin level
- B. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level
- C. C-reactive protein (CRP) level
- D. Complete blood count
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Common diagnostic tests performed for patients with potential ARDS include plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, echocardiography, and pulmonary artery catheterization. The BNP level is helpful in distinguishing ARDS from cardiogenic pulmonary edema. The carboxyhemoglobin level will be increased in a client with an inhalation injury, which commonly progresses into ARDS. CRP and CBC levels do not help differentiate from a cardiac problem.
While planning a patients care, the nurse identifies nursing actions to minimize the patients pleuritic pain. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?
- A. Avoid actions that will cause the patient to breathe deeply
- B. Ambulate the patient at least three times daily
- C. Arrange for a soft-textured diet and increased fluid intake
- D. Encourage the patient to speak as little as possible
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The key characteristic of pleuritic pain is its relationship to respiratory movement. Taking a deep breath, coughing, or sneezing worsens the pain. A soft diet is not necessarily indicated and there is no need for the patient to avoid speaking. Ambulation has multiple benefits, but pain management is not among them.
A critical-care nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with pneumonia as a surgical complication. The nurses assessment reveals that the patient has an increased work of breathing due to copious tracheobronchial secretions. What should the nurse encourage the patient to do?
- A. Increase oral fluids unless contraindicated
- B. Call the nurse for oral suctioning, as needed
- C. Lie in a low Fowlers or supine position
- D. Increase activity
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse should encourage hydration because adequate hydration thins and loosens pulmonary secretions. Oral suctioning is not sufficiently deep to remove tracheobronchial secretions. The patient should have the head of the bed raised, and rest should be promoted to avoid exacerbation of symptoms.
When assessing for substances that are known to harm workers lungs, the occupational health nurse should assess their potential exposure to which of the following?
- A. Organic acids
- B. Propane
- C. Asbestos
- D. Gypsum
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Asbestos is among the more common causes of pneumoconiosis. Organic acids, propane, and gypsum do not have this effect.