The nurse is caring for a client with a terminal condition who is dying. Which respiratory assessment findings should indicate to the nurse that death is imminent? Select all that apply.
- A. Dyspnea
- B. Cyanosis
- C. Tachypnea
- D. Kussmaul's respiration
- E. Irregular respiratory pattern
- F. Adventitious bubbling lung sounds
Correct Answer: A,B,E,F
Rationale: Respiratory assessment findings that indicate death is imminent include poor gas exchange as evidenced by hypoxia, dyspnea, or cyanosis; altered patterns of respiration, such as slow, labored, irregular, or Cheyne-Stokes pattern (alternating periods of apnea and deep, rapid breathing); increased respiratory secretions and adventitious bubbling lung sounds (death rattle); and irritation of the tracheobronchial airway as evidenced by hiccups, chest pain, fatigue, or exhaustion. Kussmaul's respirations are abnormally deep, very rapid sighing respirations characteristic of diabetic ketoacidosis. Tachypnea is defined as rapid breathing.
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A client has a prescription to receive an enema before bowel surgery. The nurse assists the client into which position to administer the enema?
- A. enema_1.PNG
- B. enema_2.PNG
- C. enema_3.PNG
- D. enema_4.PNG
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When administering an enema, the nurse places the client in a Sims' position (option 3) exposing the rectal area and allowing the enema solution to flow by gravity in the natural direction of the colon. In the prone position (option 1), the client is lying on the stomach. In the supine position (option 2), the client is lying on the back. The dorsal recumbent position (option 4) is used for abdominal assessment because it promotes relaxation of abdominal muscles.
The nurse is assessing a client diagnosed with cardiac disease at the 30 weeks' gestation antenatal visit. The nurse assesses lung sounds in the lower lobes after a routine blood pressure screening. The nurse performs this assessment to elicit what information?
- A. Identify mitral valve prolapse.
- B. Identify cardiac dysrhythmias.
- C. Rule out the possibility of pneumonia.
- D. Assess for early signs of heart failure (HF).
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Fluid volume during pregnancy peaks between 18 and 32 weeks' gestation. During this period, it is essential to observe and record maternal data that would indicate further signs of cardiac decompensation or HF in the pregnant client with cardiac disease. By assessing lung sounds, the nurse may identify early symptoms of diminished oxygen exchange and potential HF. Options 1, 2, and 3 are not related to the data in the question.
The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving tacrolimus daily. Which finding indicates to the nurse that the client is experiencing an adverse effect of the medication?
- A. Hypotension
- B. Photophobia
- C. Profuse sweating
- D. Decrease in urine output
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressant medication used in the prophylaxis of organ rejection in clients receiving allogenic liver transplants. Adverse reactions and toxic effects include nephrotoxicity and pleural effusion. Nephrotoxicity is characterized by an increasing serum creatinine level and a decrease in urine output. Frequent side effects include headache, tremor, insomnia, paresthesia, diarrhea, nausea, constipation, vomiting, abdominal pain, and hypertension. None of the other options are associated with an adverse reaction to this medication.
The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with pneumonia. When considering the client's safety, when will the nurse plan to take the client for a short walk?
- A. After the client eats lunch
- B. After the client has a brief nap
- C. After the client uses the metered-dose inhaler
- D. After assessing the client's oxygen saturation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should schedule activities for the client with pneumonia after the client has received respiratory treatments or medications. After the administration of bronchodilators (often administered by metered-dose inhaler), the client has the best oxygen exchange possible and would tolerate the activity best. Still, the nurse implements activity cautiously, so as not to increase the client's dyspnea. The client would become fatigued after eating; therefore, this is not a good time to ambulate the client. Although the client may be rested somewhat after a nap, the respiratory status of the client may not be at its best. Although monitoring oxygen saturation is appropriate, the intervention itself does not affect the client's respiratory function.
The nurse is performing an admission assessment on a client admitted with a diagnosis of Raynaud's disease. The nurse assesses for the associated symptoms by performing which actions?
- A. Checking for a rash on the digits
- B. Observing for softening of the nails or nail beds
- C. Palpating for a rapid or irregular peripheral pulse
- D. Palpating for diminished or absent peripheral pulses
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Raynaud's disease is vasospasm of the arterioles and arteries of the upper and lower extremities. It produces closure of the small arteries in the distal extremities in response to cold, vibration, or external stimuli. Palpation for diminished or absent peripheral pulses checks for interruption of circulation. Skin changes include hair loss, thinning or tightening of the skin, and delayed healing of cuts or injuries. A rash on the digits is not a characteristic of this disorder. The nails grow slowly become brittle or deformed, and heal poorly around the nail beds when infected. Although palpation of peripheral pulses is correct, a rapid or irregular pulse would not be noted.