The nurse is caring for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who is experiencing shortness of breath. What is the priority nursing intervention?
- A. Administer bronchodilator therapy as prescribed.
- B. Inhale the medication slowly while pressing down on the inhaler.
- C. Position the client in a high-Fowler's position.
- D. Increase the oxygen flow rate.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a client with COPD experiencing shortness of breath is to position the client in a high-Fowler's position. This position helps improve lung expansion and ease breathing by maximizing chest expansion and allowing for better airflow. While administering bronchodilator therapy is important, positioning the client for improved breathing takes priority. Inhaling the medication slowly and pressing down on the inhaler is a correct technique for inhaler use but not the priority intervention. Increasing the oxygen flow rate may be needed, but adjusting the client's position to a high-Fowler's position is the priority to address the shortness of breath in COPD.
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A client with a history of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is being discharged with a prescription for epoetin alfa (Epogen). What should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?
- A. Take this medication on an empty stomach.
- B. Monitor your blood pressure regularly.
- C. Expect to feel better immediately.
- D. Avoid foods high in potassium.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Monitor your blood pressure regularly.' Epoetin alfa (Epogen) can lead to hypertension as a side effect, so it is essential for clients with CKD to monitor their blood pressure regularly. Choice A is incorrect because epoetin alfa does not need to be taken on an empty stomach. Choice C is incorrect because the client should not expect immediate improvement upon starting the medication. Choice D is incorrect because while monitoring potassium intake is important in CKD, the question specifically pertains to epoetin alfa and its side effects, not potassium intake.
A client with hypothyroidism is being treated with levothyroxine (Synthroid). What is the most important information for the nurse to provide to the client?
- A. Take the medication on an empty stomach
- B. Monitor for signs of hyperthyroidism
- C. Expect to see results within a week
- D. Avoid exposure to sunlight
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most important information for the nurse to provide to a client with hypothyroidism being treated with levothyroxine is to monitor for signs of hyperthyroidism. Too much levothyroxine can lead to symptoms of hyperthyroidism, indicating an overdose. Choice A is incorrect as levothyroxine is usually taken on an empty stomach to ensure optimal absorption. Choice C is inaccurate as it may take weeks to months to see the full effects of levothyroxine therapy due to the need for dosage adjustments. Choice D is unrelated to levothyroxine therapy and is not a crucial concern for this specific medication.
Which nonfood item is the most common cause of respiratory arrest in young children?
- A. Broken rattles
- B. Buttons
- C. Pacifiers
- D. Latex balloons
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Latex balloons. Latex balloons can pose a significant choking hazard to young children if inhaled, potentially leading to respiratory arrest. Broken rattles, buttons, and pacifiers are not typically known to cause respiratory arrest in young children. While these items can present choking hazards as well, the most common cause of respiratory arrest among young children is due to inhaling latex balloons.
A hospitalized toddler who is recovering from a sickle cell crisis holds a toy and says 'Mine'. According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, this child's behavior is a demonstration of which developmental stage?
- A. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
- B. Industry vs. Inferiority
- C. Initiative vs. Guilt
- D. Trust vs. Mistrust
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt. In Erikson's theory, toddlers aged 1-3 years are in the Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt stage. During this stage, children begin to assert their independence and control over their environment. The behavior of the hospitalized toddler holding a toy and saying 'Mine' demonstrates the child's developing sense of autonomy and ownership. Choices B, C, and D correspond to different stages in Erikson's theory: Industry vs. Inferiority (school-age children), Initiative vs. Guilt (preschoolers), and Trust vs. Mistrust (infants), respectively, which are not applicable to the behavior described.
A client is admitted with a diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI). Which intervention is a priority during the acute phase?
- A. Administer morphine for pain relief
- B. Encourage the client to perform isometric exercises
- C. Position the client flat in bed
- D. Restrict fluid intake
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: During the acute phase of a myocardial infarction (MI), the priority intervention is to administer morphine for pain relief. Morphine not only alleviates pain but also reduces myocardial oxygen demand, which is crucial in the management of MI. Encouraging the client to perform isometric exercises (choice B) can increase myocardial oxygen demand and should be avoided during the acute phase. Positioning the client flat in bed (choice C) may worsen symptoms by increasing venous return and workload on the heart. Restricting fluid intake (choice D) is not a priority intervention during the acute phase of MI; maintaining adequate hydration is important for organ perfusion.