Nokea
The nurse prepares a patient with a left-sided pleural effusion for a thoracentesis. How should the nurse position the patient?
- A. Supine with the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees
- B. In a high-Fowler's position with the left arm extended
- C. On the right side with the left arm extended above the head
- D. Sitting upright with the arms supported on an overbed table
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct position for a patient with a left-sided pleural effusion undergoing thoracentesis is sitting upright with the arms supported on an overbed table. This position helps increase lung expansion, allows fluid to collect at the lung bases, and expands the intercostal space making access to the pleural space easier. Placing the patient supine, in a high-Fowler's position, or on the right side with the left arm extended above the head could increase the work of breathing for the patient and complicate the thoracentesis procedure for the healthcare provider.
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Using the illustrated technique, the healthcare provider is assessing for which finding in a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
- A. Hyperresonance
- B. Tripod positioning
- C. Accessory muscle use
- D. Reduced chest expansion
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The technique for palpation for chest expansion is shown in the illustrated technique. Reduced chest expansion would be noted on palpation of a patient's chest with COPD. Hyperresonance would be assessed through percussion, not palpation. Accessory muscle use and tripod positioning would be assessed by inspection, not palpation.
The nurse notes that a patient has incisional pain, a poor cough effort, and scattered rhonchi after a thoracotomy. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Assist the patient to sit upright in a chair.
- B. Splint the patient's chest during coughing.
- C. Medicate the patient with prescribed morphine.
- D. Observe the patient use the incentive spirometer.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to medicate the patient with prescribed morphine. A major reason for atelectasis and poor airway clearance in patients after chest surgery is incisional pain, which can worsen with deep breathing and coughing. The priority is to address the incisional pain to facilitate effective coughing and deep breathing, which are essential for clearing the airways and preventing complications. Assisting the patient to sit upright, splinting the patient's chest during coughing, and observing the patient using the incentive spirometer are all appropriate interventions to improve airway clearance, but they should be implemented after addressing the incisional pain with medication.
A 49-year-old patient with multiple sclerosis (MS) is to begin treatment with glatiramer acetate (Copaxone). Which information will the nurse include in patient teaching?
- A. Recommendation to drink at least 4 L of fluid daily
- B. Need to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery
- C. How to draw up and administer injections of the medication
- D. Use of contraceptive methods other than oral contraceptives
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When initiating treatment with glatiramer acetate (Copaxone), patient education should focus on teaching the patient how to draw up and administer injections of the medication. Copaxone is administered via self-injection, hence understanding the correct technique is crucial for successful treatment. Recommendations regarding fluid intake or the need to avoid driving heavy machinery are not directly related to glatiramer acetate therapy. Additionally, while discussing contraceptive methods may be important, the use of oral contraceptives does not specifically contraindicate the use of glatiramer acetate.
Which intervention will the nurse include in the plan of care for a patient diagnosed with a lung abscess?
- A. Teach the patient to avoid using over-the-counter expectorants.
- B. Assist the patient with chest physiotherapy and postural drainage.
- C. Notify the healthcare provider immediately regarding any bloody or foul-smelling sputum.
- D. Teach about the necessity of prolonged antibiotic therapy after discharge from the hospital.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: For a patient diagnosed with a lung abscess, the priority intervention is to educate them about the importance of prolonged antibiotic therapy post-hospital discharge. Long-term antibiotic treatment is crucial for eradicating the infecting organisms in a lung abscess. Chest physiotherapy and postural drainage are not recommended for lung abscess as they can potentially spread the infection. While foul-smelling and bloody sputum are common in lung abscess, immediate notification to the healthcare provider is essential. Avoiding the use of over-the-counter expectorants is not necessary, as expectorants can be used to facilitate coughing and clearing of secretions in this condition.
A patient with acute dyspnea is scheduled for a spiral computed tomography (CT) scan.
Which information obtained by the nurse is a priority to communicate to the health care provider
before the CT?
- A. Allergy to shellfish
- B. Apical pulse of 104
- C. Respiratory rate of 30
- D. Oxygen saturation of 90%
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Because iodine-based contrast media is used during a spiral CT, the patient may need to have the
CT scan without contrast or be premedicated before injection of the contrast media. The
increased pulse, low oxygen saturation, and tachypnea all indicate a need for further assessment
or intervention but do not indicate a need to modify the CT procedure.