Care Exam 6 RESPIRATORY (ch. 24-28)

A nurse has been asked to give a workshop on COPD for a local community group. The nurse emphasizes the importance of smoking cessation because smoking has what pathophysiologic effect? A) Increases the amount of mucus production B) Destabilizes hemoglobin C) Shrinks the alveoli in the lungs D) Collapses the alveoli in the lungs

A Feedback: Smoking irritates the goblet cells and mucous glands, causing an increased accumulation of mucus, which, in turn, produces more irritation, infection, and damage to the lung.

A nurse is admitting a new patient who has been admitted with a diagnosis of COPD exacerbation. How can the nurse best help the patient achieve the goal of maintaining effective oxygenation? A) Teach the patient strategies for promoting diaphragmatic breathing. B) Administer supplementary oxygen by simple face mask. C) Teach the patient to perform airway suctioning. D) Assist the patient in developing an appropriate exercise program.

A Feedback: The breathing pattern of most people with COPD is shallow, rapid, and inefficient; the more severe the disease, the more inefficient the breathing pattern. With practice, this type of upper chest breathing can be changed to diaphragmatic breathing, which reduces the respiratory rate, increases alveolar ventilation, and sometimes helps expel as much air as possible during expiration. Suctioning is not normally necessary in patients with COPD. Supplementary oxygen is not normally delivered by simple face mask and exercise may or may not be appropriate.

A patient with emphysema is experiencing shortness of breath. To relieve this patient's symptoms, the nurse should assist her into what position? A) Sitting upright, leaning forward slightly B) Low Fowler's, with the neck slightly hyperextended C) Prone D) Trendelenburg

A Feedback: The typical posture of a person with COPD is to lean forward and use the accessory muscles of respiration to breathe.

The home care nurse is assessing the home environment of a patient who will be discharged from the hospital shortly after his laryngectomy. The nurse should inform the patient that he may need to arrange for the installation of which system in his home? A) A humidification system B) An air conditioning system C) A water purification system D) A radiant heating system

A Feedback:The nurse stresses the importance of humidification at home and instructs the family to obtain and set up a humidification system before the patient returns home.

A nurse practitioner has provided care for three different patients with chronic pharyngitis over the past several months. Which patients are at greatest risk for developing chronic pharyngitis? A) Patients who are habitual users of alcohol and tobacco B) Patients who are habitual users of caffeine and other stimulants C) Patients who eat a diet high in spicy foods D) Patients who have gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD)

A Feedback: Chronic pharyngitis is common in adults who live and work in dusty surroundings, use the voice to excess, suffer from chronic chough, and habitually use alcohol and tobacco.

The nurse is assessing an adult patient following a motor vehicle accident. The nurse observes that the patient has an increased use of accessory muscles and is complaining of chest pain and shortness of breath. The nurse should recognize the possibility of what condition? A) Pneumothorax B) Anxiety C) Acute bronchitis D) Aspiration

A Feedback: If the pneumothorax is large and the lung collapses totally, acute respiratory distress occurs. The patient is anxious, has dyspnea and air hunger, has increased use of the accessory muscles, and may develop central cyanosis from severe hypoxemia.

The nurse is caring for a patient who is scheduled for a lobectomy for a diagnosis of lung cancer. The patient complains of shortness of breath and becomes tachypneic. The nurse suspects a pneumothorax has developed. Further assessment findings supporting the presence of a pneumothorax include what? A) Diminished or absent breath sounds on the affected side B) Paradoxical chest wall movement with respirations C)Sudden loss of consciousness D)Muffled heart sounds

A Feedback: In the case of a simple pneumothorax, auscultating the breath sounds will reveal absent or diminished breath sounds on the affected side. Paradoxical chest wall movements occur in flail chest conditions. Muffled or distant heart sounds occur in pericardial tamponade.

The school nurse is presenting a class on smoking cessation at the local high school. A participant in the class asks the nurse about the risk of lung cancer in those who smoke. What response related to risk for lung cancer in smokers is most accurate? A) The younger you are when you start smoking, the higher your risk of lung cancer B) The risk for lung cancer never decreases once you have smoked C) The risk for lung cancer is determined mostly by what type of cigarettes you smoke

A Feedback: Risk is determined by the pack-year history (number of packs of cigarettes used each day, multiplied by the number of years smoked), the age of initiation of smoking, the depth of inhalation, and the tar and nicotine levels in the cigarettes smoked. The younger a person is when he or she starts smoking, the greater the risk of developing lung cancer. Risk declines after smoking cessation. The type of cigarettes is a significant variable, but this is not the most important factor.

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

A Feedback: 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.

An adult patient has tested positive for tuberculosis (TB). While providing patient teaching, what information should the nurse prioritize? A) The importance of adhering closely to the prescribed medication regimen B) The fact that the disease is a lifelong, chronic condition that will affect ADLs C) The fact that TB is self-limiting, but can take up to 2 years to resolve D) The need to work closely with the occupational and physical therapists

A Feedback: Successful treatment of TB is highly dependent on careful adherence to the medication regimen.

The public health nurse is administering Mantoux tests to children who are being registered for kindergarten in the community. How should the nurse administer this test? A) Administer intradermal injections into the children's inner forearms. B) Administer intramuscular injections into each child's vastus lateralis. C) Administer a subcutaneous injection into each child's umbilical area. D) Administer a subcutaneous injection at a 45-degree angle into each child's deltoid

A Feedback: The purified protein derivative (PPD) is always injected into the intradermal layer of the inner aspect of the forearm.

A nurse is assessing a client who is recovering from a lung biopsy. The client's breath sounds are absent. While another nurse calls the Rapid Response Team, what action by the nurse takes is most important? A. Take a full set of vital signs. B. Obtain pulse oximetry reading. C. Ask the patient about hemoptysis. D. Inspect the biopsy site.

ANS: B Absent breath sounds may indicate that the client has a pneumothorax, a serious complication after a needle biopsy or open lung biopsy. The nurse would first obtain a pulse oximetry reading and perform other respiratory assessments. Temperature is not a priority. The nurse can ask about other symptoms while conducting the assessment. The nurse would assess the biopsy site and/or dressings, but this is not the first action.

A nurse observes that a client's anteroposterior (AP) chest diameter is the same as the lateral chest diameter. Which question would the nurse ask the client in response to this finding? A. "Are you taking any medications or herbal supplements?" B. "Do you have any chronic breathing problems?" C. "How often do you perform aerobic exercise?" D. "What is your occupation and what are your hobbies?"

ANS: B The normal chest has an anteroposterior (AP or front-to-back) diameter ratio with the lateral (side-to-side) diameter. This ratio normally is about 1:1.5. When the AP diameter approaches the lateral diameter, and the ratio is 1:1, the client is said to have a barrel chest. Most commonly, barrel chest occurs as a result of a long-term chronic airflow limitation problem, such as chronic emphysema. It can also be seen in people who have lived at a high altitude for many years. Medications, herbal supplements, and aerobic exercise are not associated with a barrel chest. Although occupation and hobbies may expose a client to irritants that can cause chronic lung disorders and barrel chest, asking about chronic breathing problems is more direct and would be asked first.

A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled to undergo a thoracentesis. Which intervention would the nurse complete prior to the procedure? A. Measure oxygen saturation before and after a 12-minute walk. B. Verify that the client understands all possible complications. C. Explain the procedure in detail to the client and the family. D. Validate that informed consent has been given by the client.

ANS: D A thoracentesis is an invasive procedure with many potentially serious complications. The nurse would ensure signed informed consent has been obtained. Verifying that the client understands complications and explaining the procedure to be performed will be done by the primary health care provider, not the nurse. Measurement of oxygen saturation before and after a 12-minute walk is not a procedure unique to a thoracentesis.

A nurse assesses a client's respiratory status. Which information is most important for the nurse to obtain? a. Average daily fluid intake. b. Neck circumference. c. Height and weight d. Occupation and hobbies.

ANS: D Many respiratory problems occur as a result of chronic exposure to inhalation irritants used in a client's occupation and hobbies. Although it will be important for the nurse to assess the client's fluid intake, height, and weight, these will not be as important as determining his occupation and hobbies. This is part of the I-PREPARE assessment model for particulate matter exposure. Determining the client's neck circumference will not be an important part of a respiratory assessment.

A nurse is caring for a patient who has been hospitalized with an acute asthma exacerbation. What drugs should the nurse expect to be ordered for this patient to gain underlying control of persistent asthma? A) Rescue inhalers B) Anti-inflammatory drugs C) Antibiotics D) Antitussives

B Feedback: Because the underlying pathology of asthma is inflammation, control of persistent asthma is accomplished primarily with regular use of anti-inflammatory medications. Rescue inhalers, antibiotics, and antitussives do not aid in the first-line control of persistent asthma.

A nurse is developing the teaching portion of a care plan for a patient with COPD. What would be the most important component for the nurse to emphasize? A) Smoking up to one-half of a pack of cigarettes weekly is allowable. B) Chronic inhalation of indoor toxins can cause lung damage. C) Minor respiratory infections are considered to be self-limited and are not treated. D) Activities of daily living (ADLs) should be clustered in the early morning hours.

B Feedback: Environmental risk factors for COPD include prolonged and intense exposure to occupational dusts and chemicals, indoor air pollution, and outdoor air pollution. Smoking cessation should be taught to all patients who are currently smoking. Minor respiratory infections that are of no consequence to the person with normal lungs can produce fatal disturbances in the lungs of the person with emphysema. ADLs should be paced throughout the day to permit patients to perform these without excessive distress.

A nurse's assessment reveals that a client with COPD may be experiencing bronchospasm. What assessment finding would suggest that the patient is experiencing bronchospasm? A) Fine or coarse crackles on auscultation B) Wheezes or diminished breath sounds on auscultation C) Reduced respiratory rate or lethargy D) Slow, deliberate respirations

B Feedback: Wheezing and diminished breath sounds are consistent with bronchospasm. Crackles are usually attributable to other respiratory or cardiac pathologies. Bronchospasm usually results in rapid, inefficient breathing and agitation.

A perioperative nurse is caring for a postoperative patient. The patient has a shallow respiratory pattern and is reluctant to cough or to begin mobilizing. The nurse should address the patient's increased risk for what complication? A) Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) B) Atelectasis C) Aspiration D) Pulmonary embolism

B Feedback: A shallow, monotonous respiratory pattern coupled with immobility places the patient at an increased risk of developing atelectasis.

A hospital has been the site of an increased incidence of hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP). What is an important measure for the prevention of HAP? A) Administration of prophylactic antibiotics B) Administration of pneumococcal vaccine to vulnerable individuals C) Obtaining culture and sensitivity swabs from all newly admitted patients D) Administration of antiretroviral medications to patients over age 65

B Feedback: Pneumococcal vaccination reduces the incidence of pneumonia, hospitalizations for cardiac conditions, and deaths in the general older adult population. A onetime vaccination of pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV) is recommended for all patients 65 years of age or older and those with chronic diseases.

A patient is undergoing testing to see if he has a pleural effusion. Which of the nurse's respiratory assessment findings would be most consistent with this diagnosis? A)Increased tactile fremitus, egophony, and a dull sound upon percussion of the chest wall B)Decreased tactile fremitus, wheezing, and a hyperresonant sound upon percussion of the chest wall C)Lung fields dull to percussion, absent breath sounds, and a pleural friction rub D)Normal tactile fremitus, decreased breath sounds, an

C Feedback: Assessment findings consistent with a pleural effusion include affected lung fields being dull to percussion and absence of breath sounds. A pleural friction rub may also be present. The other listed signs are not typically associated with a pleural effusion.

The nurse is completing a patient's health history with regard to potential risk factors for lung disease. What interview question addresses the most significant risk factor for respiratory diseases? A)Have you ever been employed in a factory, smelter, or mill? B)Does anyone in your family have any form of lung disease? C)Do you currently smoke, or have you ever smoked? D)Have you ever lived in an area that has high levels of air pollution?

C Feedback: Smoking the single most important contributor to lung disease, exceeds the significance of environmental, occupational, and genetic factors.

The nurse is caring for a patient admitted with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. During assessment, the nurse finds that the patient is experiencing increased dyspnea. What is the most accurate measurement of the concentration of oxygen in the patient's blood? A)A capillary blood sample B)Pulse oximetry C)An arterial blood gas (ABG) study D)A complete blood count (CBC)

C Feedback: The arterial oxygen tension (partial pressure or PaO2) indicates the degree of oxygenation of the blood, and the arterial carbon dioxide tension (partial pressure or PaCO2) indicates the adequacy of alveolar ventilation. ABG studies aid in assessing the ability of the lungs to provide adequate oxygen and remove carbon dioxide and the ability of the kidneys to reabsorb or excrete bicarbonate ions to maintain normal body pH. Capillary blood samples are venous blood, not arterial blood, so they are not as accurate as an ABG. Pulse oximetry is a useful clinical tool but does not replace ABG measurement, because it is not as accurate. A CBC does not indicate the concentration of oxygen.

The nurse is assessing the respiratory status of a patient who is experiencing an exacerbation of her emphysema symptoms. When preparing to auscultate, what breath sounds should the nurse anticipate? A)Absence of breath sounds B)Wheezing with discontinuous breath sounds C)Faint breath sounds with prolonged expiration D)Faint breath sounds with fine crackles

C Feedback: The breath sounds of the patient with emphysema are faint or often completely inaudible. When they are heard, the expiratory phase is prolonged.

A medical nurse has admitted a patient to the unit with a diagnosis of failure to thrive. The patient has developed a fever and cough, so a sputum specimen has been obtained. The nurse notes that the sputum is greenish and that there is a large quantity of it. The nurse notifies the patient's physician because these symptoms are suggestive of what? A)Pneumothorax B)Lung tumors C)Infection D)Pulmonary edema

C Feedback: The nature of the sputum is often indicative of its cause. A profuse amount of purulent sputum (thick and yellow, green, or rust-colored) or a change in color of the sputum is a common sign of a bacterial infection. Pink-tinged mucoid sputum suggests a lung tumor. Profuse, frothy, pink material, often welling up into the throat, may indicate pulmonary edema. A pneumothorax does not result in copious, green sputum.

A school nurse is caring for a 10-year-old girl who is having an asthma attack. What is the preferred intervention to alleviate this client's airflow obstruction? A) Administer corticosteroids by metered dose inhaler B) Administer inhaled anticholinergics C) Administer an inhaled beta-adrenergic agonist D) Utilize a peak flow monitoring device

C Feedback: Systemic corticosteroids may be necessary to decrease airway inflammation in patients who fail to respond to inhaled beta-adrenergic medication. A peak flow device will not resolve short-term shortness of breath.

A student nurse is developing a teaching plan for an adult patient with asthma. Which teaching point should have the highest priority in the plan of care that the student is developing? A) Gradually increase levels of physical exertion. B) Change filters on heaters and air conditioners frequently. C) Take prescribed medications as scheduled. D) Avoid goose-down pillows.

C Feedback: Although all of the measures are appropriate for a client with asthma, taking prescribed medications on time is the most important measure in preventing asthma attacks.

A nurse is creating a health promotion intervention focused on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). What should the nurse identify as a complication of COPD? A) Lung cancer B) Cystic fibrosis C) Respiratory failure D) Hemothorax

C Feedback: Complications of COPD include respiratory failure, pneumothorax, atelectasis, pneumonia, and pulmonary hypertension (corpulmonale). Lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, and hemothorax are not common complications.

The nurse is assessing a patient whose respiratory disease in characterized by chronic hyperinflation of the lungs. What would the nurse most likely assess in this patient? A) Signs of oxygen toxicity B) Chronic chest pain C) A barrel chest D) Long, thin fingers

C Feedback: In COPD patients with a primary emphysematous component, chronic hyperinflation leads to the barrel chest thorax configuration. The nurse most likely would not assess chest pain or long, thin fingers; these are not characteristic of emphysema. The patient would not show signs of oxygen toxicity unless he or she received excess supplementary oxygen.

A nurse is completing a focused respiratory assessment of a child with asthma. What assessment finding is most closely associated with the characteristic signs and symptoms of asthma? A) Shallow respirations B) Increased anterior-posterior (A-P) diameter C) Bilateral wheezes D) Bradypnea

C Feedback: The three most common symptoms of asthma are cough, dyspnea, and wheezing. There may be generalized wheezing (the sound of airflow through narrowed airways), first on expiration and then, possibly, during inspiration as well. Respirations are not usually slow and the child's A-P diameter does not normally change.

The nurse is planning the care of a patient who is scheduled for a laryngectomy. The nurse should assign the highest priority to which postoperative nursing diagnosis? A) Anxiety related to diagnosis of cancer B) Altered nutrition related to swallowing difficulties C) Ineffective airway clearance related to airway alterations D) Impaired verbal communication related to removal of the larynx

C Feedback:Each of the listed diagnoses is valid, but ineffective airway clearance is the priority nursing diagnosis for all conditions.

The campus nurse at a university is assessing a 21-year-old student who presents with a severe nosebleed. The site of bleeding appears to be the anterior portion of the nasal septum. The nurse instructs the student to tilt her head forward and the nurse applies pressure to the nose, but the student's nose continues to bleed. Which intervention should the nurse next implement? A) Apply ice to the bridge of her nose B) Lay the patient down on a cot C) Insert a tampon in the affected nare

C Feedback: A cotton tampon may be used to try to stop the bleeding.

A patient is being treated for bacterial pharyngitis. Which of the following should the nurse recommend when promoting the patient's nutrition during treatment? A) A 1.5 L/day fluid restriction B) A high-potassium, low-sodium diet C) A liquid or soft diet D) A high-protein diet

C Feedback: A liquid or soft diet is provided during the acute stage of the disease, depending on the patient's appetite and the degree of discomfort that occurs with swallowing.

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

C Feedback: Asbestos is among the more common causes of pneumoconiosis. Organic acids, propane, and gypsum do not have this effect.

It is cold season and the school nurse been asked to provide an educational event for the parent teacher organization of the local elementary school. What should the nurse include in teaching about the treatment of pharyngitis? A) Pharyngitis is more common in children whose immunizations are not up to date. B) There are no effective, evidence-based treatments for pharyngitis. C) Use of warm saline gargles or throat irrigations can relieve symptoms.

C Feedback: Depending on the severity of the pharyngitis and the degree of pain, warm saline gargles or throat irrigations are used. The benefits of this treatment depend on the degree of heat that is applied.

The nurse is caring for a patient in the ED for epistaxis. What information should the nurse include in patient discharge teaching as a way to prevent epistaxis? A) Keep nasal passages clear. B) Use decongestants regularly. C) Humidify the indoor environment. D) Use a tissue when blowing the nose.

C Feedback: Discharge teaching for prevention of epistaxis should include the following: avoid forceful nose bleeding, straining, high altitudes, and nasal trauma (nose picking). Adequate humidification may prevent drying of the nasal passages. Keeping nasal passages clear and using a tissue when blowing the nose are not included in discharge teaching for the prevention of epistaxis. Decongestants are not indicated.

The occupational health nurse is obtaining a patient history during a pre-employment physical. During the history, the patient states that he has hereditary angioedema. The nurse should identify what implication of this health condition? A) It will result in increased loss of work days. B) It may cause episodes of weakness due to reduced cardiac output. C) It can cause life-threatening airway obstruction. D) It is unlikely to interfere with the individual's health.

C Feedback: Hereditary angioedema is an inherited condition that is characterized by episodes of life-threatening laryngeal edema.

The nurse is reviewing the electronic health record of a patient with an empyema. What health problem in the patient's history is most likely to have caused the empyema? A) Smoking B) Asbestosis C) Pneumonia D) Lung cancer

C Feedback: Most empyemas occur as complications of bacterial pneumonia or lung abscess. Cancer, smoking, and asbestosis are not noted to be common causes.

A nursing student is discussing a patient with viral pharyngitis with the preceptor at the walk-in clinic. What should the preceptor tell the student about nursing care for patients with viral pharyngitis? A) Teaching focuses on safe and effective use of antibiotics. B) The patient should be preliminarily screened for surgery. C) Symptom management is the main focus of medical and nursing care. D) The focus of care is resting the voice to prevent chronic hoarseness.

C Feedback: Nursing care for patients with viral pharyngitis focuses on symptomatic management.

A 45-year-old obese man arrives in a clinic with complaints of daytime sleepiness, difficulty going to sleep at night, and snoring. The nurse should recognize the manifestations of what health problem? A) Adenoiditis B) Chronic tonsillitis C) Obstructive sleep apnea D) Laryngeal cancer

C Feedback: Obstructive sleep apnea occurs in men, especially those who are older and overweight.

The nurse has noted the emergence of a significant amount of fresh blood at the drain site of a patient who is postoperative day 1 following total laryngectomy. How should the nurse respond to this development? A) Remove the patient's drain and apply pressure with a sterile gauze. B) Assess the patient, reposition the patient supine, and apply wall suction to the drain. C) Rapidly assess the patient and notify the surgeon about the patient's bleeding. D) Administer a STAT dose of vitamin K to a

C Feedback: The nurse promptly notifies the surgeon of any active bleeding, which can occur at a variety of sites, including the surgical site, drains, and trachea.

The nurse is teaching a patient with allergic rhinitis about the safe and effective use of his medications. What would be the most essential information to give this patient about preventing possible drug interactions? A) Prescription medications can be safely supplemented with OTC medications. B) Use only one pharmacy so the pharmacist can check drug interactions. C) Read drug labels carefully before taking OTC medications. D) Consult the Internet before selecting an OTC medication.

C Feedback: To prevent possible drug interactions, the patient is cautioned to read drug labels before taking any OTC medications.

In addition to heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature, the nurse needs to assess a patient's arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2). What procedure will best accomplish this? A)Incentive spirometry B)Arterial blood gas (ABG) measurement C)Peak flow measurement D)Pulse oximetry

D Feedback: Pulse oximetry is a noninvasive procedure in which a small sensor is positioned over a pulsating vascular bed. It can be used during transport and causes the patient no discomfort. An incentive spirometer is used to assist the patient with deep breathing after surgery. ABG measurement can measure SaO2, but this is an invasive procedure that can be painful. Some patients with asthma use peak flow meters to measure levels of expired air.

A clinic nurse is caring for a patient who has just been diagnosed with COPD. The patient asks the nurse what he could have done to minimize the risk of contracting this disease. What would be the nurse's best answer? A) The most important risk factor for COPD is exposure to occupational toxins B) The most important risk factor for COPD is inadequate exercise C) The most important risk factor for COPD is exposure to dust & pollen D) The most important risk factor for COPD is cigarette smoking

D Feedback: The most important risk factor for COPD is cigarette smoking. Lack of exercise and exposure to dust and pollen are not risk factors for COPD. Occupational risks are significant but are far exceeded by smoking.

The nurse is caring for a patient who is postoperative day 2 following a total laryngectomy for supraglottic cancer. The nurse should prioritize what assessment? A) Assessment of body image B) Assessment of jugular venous pressure C) Assessment of carotid pulse D) Assessment of swallowing ability

D Feedback: A common postoperative complication from this type of surgery is difficulty in swallowing, which creates a potential for aspiration. Cardiovascular complications are less likely at this stage of recovery. The patient's body image should be assessed, but dysphagia has the potential to affect the patient's airway, and is a consequent priority.

A nurse is documenting the results of assessment of a patient with bronchiectasis. What would the nurse most likely include in documentation? A) Sudden onset of pleuritic chest pain B) Wheezes on auscultation C) Increased anterior-posterior (A-P) diameter D) Clubbing of the fingers

D Feedback: Characteristic symptoms of bronchiectasis include chronic cough and production of purulent sputum in copious amounts. Clubbing of the fingers also is common because of respiratory insufficiency. Sudden pleuritic chest pain is a common manifestation of a pulmonary embolism. Wheezes on auscultation are common in patients with asthma. An increased A-P diameter is noted in patients with COPD.

The nurse is providing patient teaching to a young mother who has brought her 3-month-old infant to the clinic for a well-baby checkup. What action should the nurse recommend to the woman to prevent the transmission of organisms to her infant during the cold season? A) Take preventative antibiotics, as ordered. B) Gargle with warm salt water regularly. C) Dress herself and her infant warmly. D) Wash her hands frequently.

D Feedback: Handwashing remains the most effective preventive measure to reduce the transmission of organisms.

A patient comes to the ED and is admitted with epistaxis. Pressure has been applied to the patient's midline septum for 10 minutes, but the bleeding continues. The nurse should anticipate using what treatment to control the bleeding? A) Irrigation with a hypertonic solution B) Nasopharyngeal suction C) Normal saline application D) Silver nitrate application

D Feedback: If pressure to the midline septum does not stop the bleeding for epistaxis, additional treatment of silver nitrate application, Gelfoam, electrocautery, or vasoconstrictors may be used.

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.

D Feedback: 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.

An 87-year-old patient has been hospitalized with pneumonia. Which nursing action would be a priority in this patient's plan of care? A) Nasogastric intubation B) Administration of probiotic supplements C) Bedrest D) Cautious hydration

D Feedback: Supportive treatment of pneumonia in the elderly includes hydration (with caution and with frequent assessment because of the risk of fluid overload in the elderly); supplemental oxygen therapy; and assistance with deep breathing, coughing, frequent position changes, and early ambulation. Mobility is not normally discouraged and an NG tube is not necessary in most cases. Probiotics may or may not be prescribed for the patient.

The nurse is explaining the safe and effective administration of nasal spray to a patient with seasonal allergies. What information is most important to include in this teaching? A) Finish the bottle of nasal spray to clear the infection effectively. B) Nasal spray can only be shared between immediate family members. C) Nasal spray should be administered in a prone position. D) Overuse of nasal spray may cause rebound congestion.

D Feedback: The use of topical decongestants is controversial because of the potential for a rebound effect.

The occupational health nurse is assessing new employees at a company. What would be important to assess in employees with a potential occupational respiratory exposure to a toxin? Select all that apply. A) Time frame of exposure B) Type of respiratory protection used C) Immunization status D) Breath sounds E) Intensity of exposure

A, B, D, E Feedback: Key aspects of any assessment of patients with a potential occupational respiratory history include job and job activities, exposure levels, general hygiene, time frame of exposure, effectiveness of respiratory protection used, and direct versus indirect exposures. The patient's current respiratory status would also be a priority. Occupational lung hazards are not normally influenced by immunizations.

A nurse is working with a child who is undergoing a diagnostic workup for suspected asthma. What are the signs and symptoms that are consistent with a diagnosis of asthma? Select all that apply. A) Chest tightness B) Crackles C) Bradypnea D) Wheezing E) Cough

A, D, E Feedback: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that causes airway hyperresponsiveness, mucosal edema, and mucus production. This inflammation ultimately leads to recurrent episodes of asthma symptoms: cough, chest tightness, wheezing, and dyspnea. Crackles and bradypnea are not typical symptoms of asthma.

After a laryngectomy, a patient coughs violently during suctioning and dislodges the tracheostomy tube. Which action should the nurse take first? A. attempt to replace the tube with the bedside obturator B. notify the healthcare provider C. place the patient in high Fowlers position D. ventilate the patient with manual

A. attempt to replace the tube with the bedside obturator

A nurse auscultates a harsh hollow sound over a client's trachea and larynx. What action would the nurse take first? A. Document the findings. B. Administer oxygen therapy. C. Position the client in high-Fowler position. D. Administer prescribed albuterol.

ANS: A Bronchial breath sounds, including harsh, hollow, tubular, and blowing sounds, are a normal finding over the trachea and larynx. The nurse would document this finding. There is no need to implement oxygen therapy, administer albuterol, or change the client's position because the finding is normal.

A nurse teaches a client who is interested in smoking cessation. Which statements would the nurse include in this client's teaching? (Select all that apply.) A. "Find an activity that you enjoy and will keep your hands busy." B. "Keep snacks like potato chips on hand to nibble on." C. "Identify a consequence for yourself in case you backslide." D. "Drink at least eight glasses of water each day." E. "Make a list of reasons you want to stop smoking." F. "Set a quit date and stick to it."

ANS: A, D, E, F The nurse would teach a client who is interested in smoking cessation to find an activity that keeps the hands busy, to keep healthy snacks on hand to nibble on, to drink at least eight glasses of water each day, to make a list of reasons for quitting smoking, and to set a firm quit date and stick to it. The nurse would also encourage the client not to be upset if he or she backslides and has a cigarette but to try to determine what conditions caused him or her to smoke.

A nurse assesses a client after an open lung biopsy. Which assessment finding is matched with the correct intervention? A. Client reports being dizzy—nurse calls the Rapid Response Team. B. Client's heart rate is 55 beats/min—nurse withholds pain medication. C. Client has reduced breath sounds—nurse calls primary health care provider immediately. D. Client's respiratory rate is 18 breaths/min—nurse decreases oxygen flow rate.

ANS: C A potentially serious complication after biopsy is pneumothorax, which is indicated by decreased or absent breath sounds. The primary health care provider needs to be notified immediately. Dizziness without other data would not lead the nurse to call the RRT. If the client's heart rate is 55 beats/min, no reason is known to withhold pain medication. A respiratory rate of 18 breaths/min is a normal finding and would not warrant changing the oxygen flow rate.

A nurse obtains the health history of a client who is recently diagnosed with lung cancer and identifies that the client has a 60-pack-year smoking history. Which action is most important for the nurse to take when interviewing this client? a. Tell the client that he or she needs to quit smoking to stop further cancer development. b. Encourage the client to be completely honest about both tobacco and marijuana use. c. Maintain a nonjudgmental attitude to avoid causing the client to feel guilt

ANS: C Smoking assessments and cessation information can be an uncomfortable and sensitive topic among both clients and health care providers. The nurse would maintain a nonjudgmental attitude in order to foster trust with the client. Telling the client he or she needs to quit smoking is paternalistic and threatening. Assessing exposure to smoke includes more than tobacco and marijuana. The nurse would avoid giving the client false hope but when taking a history, it is most important to get accurate information.

A nurse cares for a client who had a bronchoscopy 2 hours ago. The client asks for a drink of water. What action would the nurse take next? A. Call the primary health care provider and request food and water for the client. B. Provide the client with ice chips instead of a drink of water. C. Assess the client's gag reflex before giving any food or water. D. Let the client have a small sip to see whether he or she can swallow.

ANS: C The topical anesthetic used during the procedure will have affected the client's gag reflex. Before allowing the client anything to eat or drink, the nurse must check for the return of this reflex.

A nurse assesses a client after a thoracentesis. Which assessment finding warrants immediate action? a. The client rates pain as a 5/10 at the site of the procedure. b. small amount of drainage from the site is noted. c. Pulse oximetry is 93% on 2 L of oxygen. d. The trachea is shifted toward the opposite side of the neck.

ANS: D A shift of central thoracic structures toward one side is a sign of a tension pneumothorax, which is a medical emergency. The other findings are normal or near normal. The nurse would report this finding immediately or call the Rapid Response Team.

The nurse is providing care for a patient who has just been admitted to the postsurgical unit following a laryngectomy. What assessment should the nurse prioritize? A) The patient's swallowing ability B) The patient's airway patency C) The patient's carotid pulses D) Signs and symptoms of infection

B Feedback: As in all nursing situations, assessment of the airway is a priority over other potential complications and assessment parameters.

The nurse is conducting a presurgical interview for a patient with laryngeal cancer. The patient states that he drinks approximately six to eight shots of vodka per day. It is imperative that the nurse inform the surgical team so the patient can be assessed for what? A) Increased risk for infection B) Delirium tremens C) Depression D) Nonadherence to postoperative care

B Feedback: Considering the known risk factors for cancer of the larynx, it is essential to assess the patient's history of alcohol intake. I

The nurse recognizes that aspiration is a potential complication of a laryngectomy. How should the nurse best manage this risk? A) Facilitate total parenteral nutrition (TPN). B) Keep a complete suction setup at the bedside. C) Feed the patient several small meals daily. D) Refer the patient for occupational therapy.

B Feedback: Due to the risk for aspiration, the nurse keeps a suction setup available in the hospital and instructs the family to do so at home for use if needed. TPN is not indicated and small meals do not necessarily reduce the risk of aspiration. Physical therapists do not address swallowing ability.

The nurse is performing an assessment on a patient who has been diagnosed with cancer of the larynx. Part of the nurse's assessment addresses the patient's general state of nutrition. Which laboratory values would be assessed when determining the nutritional status of the patient? Select all that apply. A) White blood cell count B) Protein level C) Albumin level D) Platelet count E) Glucose level

B, C, E Feedback: The nurse also assesses the patient's general state of nutrition, including height and weight and body mass index, and reviews laboratory values that assist in determining the patient's nutritional status (albumin, protein, glucose, and electrolyte levels).

A nursing is planning the care of a patient with emphysema who will soon be discharged. What teaching should the nurse prioritize in the plan of care? A) Taking prophylactic antibiotics as ordered B) Adhering to the treatment regimen in order to cure the disease C) Avoiding airplanes, buses, and other crowded public places D) Setting realistic short-term and long-range goals

D Feedback: A major area of teaching involves setting and accepting realistic short-term and long-range goals. Emphysema is not considered curable and antibiotics are not used on a preventative basis. The patient does not normally need to avoid public places.

what type of room for a patient with active TB?

-negative pressure -airborne precautions

The nurse has assessed a patient's family history for three generations. The presence of which respiratory disease would justify this type of assessment? A)Asthma B)Obstructive sleep apnea C)Community-acquired pneumonia D)Pulmonary edema

A Feedback: Asthma is a respiratory illness that has genetic factors. Sleep apnea, pneumonia, and pulmonary edema lack genetic risk factors.

A nurse in the post-anesthesia care unit is caring for a client who is postoperative following a thoracotomy and lobectomy. Which of the following postoperative assessments should the nurse give highest priority to? A. ABG B. urinary output C. chest tube drainage D. pain level

A. ABG

The nurse is caring for a patient who has a pleural effusion and who underwent a thoracoscopic procedure earlier in the morning. The nurse should prioritize assessment for which of the following? A)Sputum production B)Shortness of breath C)Throat discomfort D)Epistaxis

B Feedback: Follow-up care in the health care facility and at home involves monitoring the patient for shortness of breath (which might indicate a pneumothorax). All of the listed options are relevant assessment findings, but shortness of breath is the most serious complication.

A patient with a decreased level of consciousness is in a recumbent position. How should the nurse best assess the lung fields for a patient in this position? A)Inform that physician that the patient is in a recumbent position and anticipate an order for a portable chest x-ray. B)Turn the patient to enable assessment of all the patient's lung fields. C)Avoid turning the patient, and assess the accessible breath sounds from the anterior chest wall. D)Obtain a pulse oximetry reading, and, if t

B Feedback: Assessment of the anterior and posterior lung fields is part of the nurse's routine evaluation. If the patient is recumbent, it is essential to turn the patient to assess all lung fields so that dependent areas can be assessed for breath sounds, including the presence of normal breath sounds and adventitious sounds. Failure to examine the dependent areas of the lungs can result in missing significant findings. This makes the other given options unacceptable.

The nurse is assessing a patient who frequently coughs after eating or drinking. How should the nurse best follow up this assessment finding? A)Obtain a sputum sample. B)Perform a swallowing assessment. C)Inspect the patient's tongue and mouth. D)Assess the patient's nutritional status.

B Feedback: Coughing after food intake may indicate aspiration of material into the tracheobronchial tree; a swallowing assessment is thus indicated. Obtaining a sputum sample is relevant in cases of suspected infection. The status of the patient's tongue, mouth, and nutrition is not directly relevant to the problem of aspiration.

The nurse is doing discharge teaching in the ED with a patient who had a nosebleed. What should the nurse include in the discharge teaching of this patient? A) Avoid blowing the nose for the next 45 minutes. B) In case of recurrence, apply direct pressure for 15 minutes. C) Do not take aspirin for the next 2 weeks. D) Seek immediate medical attention if the nosebleed recurs.

B Feedback: The nurse explains how to apply direct pressure to the nose with the thumb and the index finger for 15 minutes in case of a recurrent nosebleed.

The nurse is evaluating and assessing a patient with a diagnosis of chronic emphysema. The patient is receiving oxygen at a flow rate of 5 L/min by nasal cannula. Which finding concerns the nurse immediately? A. B. client's resp rate is 8 breaths/min C. client sits up and leans over the night stand D. client has a large barrel chest

B. client's resp rate is 8 breaths/min

The nurse is performing preoperative teaching with a patient who has cancer of the larynx. After completing patient teaching, what would be most important for the nurse to do? A) Give the patient his or her cell phone number. B) Refer the patient to a social worker or psychologist. C) Provide the patient with audiovisual materials about the surgery. D) Reassure the patient and family that everything will be alright.

C Feedback: Informational materials (written and audiovisual) about the surgery are given to the patient and family for review and reinforcement.

A patient has just been diagnosed with lung cancer. After the physician discusses treatment options and leaves the room, the patient asks the nurse how the treatment is decided upon. What would be the nurse's best response? A) The type of treatment depends on the patient's age and health status B) The type of treatment depends on what the patient wants when given the options C) The type of treatment depends on the cell type of the cancer, the stage of the cancer, and the patient's health status

C Feedback: Treatment of lung cancer depends on the cell type, the stage of the disease, and the patient's physiologic status (particularly cardiac and pulmonary status). Treatment does not depend solely on the patient's age or the patient's preference between the different treatment modes. The decision about treatment does not primarily depend on a discussion between the patient and the physician of which treatment is best, though this discussion will take place.

The nurse is caring for a patient who has been scheduled for a bronchoscopy. How should the nurse prepare the patient for this procedure? A)Administer a bolus of IV fluids. B)Arrange for the insertion of a peripherally inserted central catheter. C)Administer nebulized bronchodilators every 2 hours until the test. D)Withhold food and fluids for several hours before the test.

D Feedback: Food and fluids are withheld for 4 to 8 hours before the test to reduce the risk of aspiration when the cough reflex is blocked by anesthesia. IV fluids, bronchodilators, and a central line are unnecessary.

A nurse is caring for a patient with COPD. The patient's medication regimen has been recently changed and the nurse is assessing for therapeutic effect of a new bronchodilator. What assessment parameters suggest a consequent improvement in respiratory status? Select all that apply. A) Negative sputum culture B) Increased viscosity of lung secretions C) Increased respiratory rate D) Increased expiratory flow rate E) Relief of dyspnea

D, E Feedback: The relief of bronchospasm is confirmed by measuring improvement in expiratory flow rates and volumes (the force of expiration, how long it takes to exhale, and the amount of air exhaled) as well as by assessing the dyspnea and making sure that it has lessened. Increased respiratory rate and viscosity of secretions would suggest a worsening of the patient's respiratory status. Bronchodilators would not have a direct result on the patient's infectious process.

A nurse is developing a plan of care for a client who has COPD. The nurse should include which of the following interventions in the plan? A. restrict fluids unless contraindicated B. provide the client with a low protein diet C. have the client use the early morning hours for exercise activity D. instruct the client to use pursed-lip breathing

D. instruct the client to use pursed-lip breathing

A sputum study has been ordered for a patient who has developed coarse chest crackles and a fever. At what time should the nurse best collect the sample? A)Immediately after a meal B)First thing in the morning C)At bedtime D)After a period of exercise

B Feedback: Sputum samples ideally are obtained early in the morning before the patient has had anything to eat or drink.

he nurse doing rounds at the beginning of a shift notices a sputum specimen in a container sitting on the bedside table in a patient's room. The nurse asks the patient when he produced the sputum specimen and he states that the specimen is about 4 hours old. What action should the nurse take? A)Immediately take the sputum specimen to the laboratory. B)Discard the specimen and assist the patient in obtaining another specimen. C)Refrigerate the sputum specimen and submit it once it is chilled.

B Feedback: Sputum samples should be submitted to the laboratory as soon as possible. Allowing the specimen to stand for several hours in a warm room results in the overgrowth of contaminated organisms and may make it difficult to identify the pathogenic organisms. Refrigeration of the sputum specimen and the addition of normal saline are not appropriate actions.

A new employee asks the occupational health nurse about measures to prevent inhalation exposure of the substances. Which statement by the nurse will decrease the patient's exposure risk to toxic substances? A)Position a fan blowing on the toxic substances to prevent the substance from becoming stagnant in the air B)Wear protective attire and devices when working with a toxic substance C)Make sure that you keep your immunizations up to date to prevent respiratory diseases resulting from toxins

B Feedback: When working with toxic substances, the employee must wear or use protective devices such as face masks, hoods, or industrial respirators. Immunizations do not confer protection from toxins and a paper mask is normally insufficient protection.

A nurse is caring for a client who has a tracheostomy with an inflated cuff. Which of the following findings indicates that the nurse should suction secretions? A. the client is unable to speak B. the nurse auscultates coarse crackles in the lung fields C. the client's secretions were last suctioned 2 hours ago D. the client coughs and expirates a large mucus plug

B. the nurse auscultates coarse crackles in the lung fields

The ED nurse is assessing the respiratory function of a teenage girl who presented with acute shortness of breath. Auscultation reveals continuous wheezes during inspiration and expiration. This finding is most suggestive what? A)Pleurisy B)Emphysema C)Asthma D)Pneumonia

C Feedback: Sibilant wheezes are commonly associated with asthma. They do not normally accompany pleurisy, emphysema, or pneumonia.

The nurse is caring for a patient whose recent unexplained weight loss and history of smoking have prompted diagnostic testing for cancer. What symptom is most closely associated with the early stages of laryngeal cancer? A) Hoarseness B) Dyspnea C) Dysphagia D) Frequent nosebleeds

A Feedback: Hoarseness is an early symptom of laryngeal cancer.

The ED nurse is assessing a patient complaining of dyspnea. The nurse auscultates the patient's chest and hears wheezing throughout the lung fields. What might this indicate? A)The patient has a narrowed airway. B)The patient has pneumonia. C)The patient needs physiotherapy. D)The patient has a hemothorax.

A Feedback: Wheezing is a high-pitched, musical sound that is often the major finding in a patient with bronchoconstriction or airway narrowing. Wheezing is not normally indicative of pneumonia or hemothorax. Wheezing does not indicate the need for physiotherapy.

A pediatric nurse practitioner is caring for a child who has just been diagnosed with asthma. The nurse has provided the parents with information that includes potential causative agents for an asthmatic reaction. What potential causative agent should the nurse describe? A) Pets B) Lack of sleep C) Psychosocial stress D) Bacteria

A Feedback: Common causative agents that may trigger an asthma attack are as follows: dust, dust mites, pets, soap, certain foods, molds, and pollens. Lack of sleep, stress, and bacteria are not common triggers for asthma attacks.

he nurse is caring for a patient who has returned to the unit following a bronchoscopy. The patient is asking for something to drink. Which criterion will determine when the nurse should allow the patient to drink fluids? A)presence of a cough and gag reflex B)Absence of nausea C)Ability to demonstrate deep inspiration D)Oxygen saturation of ³92%

A Feedback: After the procedure, it is important that the patient takes nothing by mouth until the cough reflex returns because the preoperative sedation and local anesthesia impair the protective laryngeal reflex and swallowing for several hours. Deep inspiration, adequate oxygen saturation levels, and absence of nausea do not indicate that oral intake is safe from the risk of aspiration.

A patient on the medical unit has told the nurse that he is experiencing significant dyspnea, despite that he has not recently performed any physical activity. What assessment question should the nurse ask the patient while preparing to perform a physical assessment? A)On a scale from 1 to 10, how bad would rate your shortness of breath? B)When was the last time you ate or drank anything? C)Are you feeling any nausea along with your shortness of breath? D)Do you think that some medication mi

A Feedback: Gauging the severity of the patient's dyspnea is an important part of the nursing process. Oral intake and nausea are much less important considerations. The nurse must perform assessment prior to interventions such as providing medication.

The medical nurse who works on a pulmonology unit is aware that several respiratory conditions can affect lung tissue compliance. The presence of what condition would lead to an increase in lung compliance? A)Emphysema B)Pulmonary fibrosis C)Pleural effusion D)Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

A Feedback: High or increased compliance occurs if the lungs have lost their elasticity and the thorax is overdistended, in conditions such as emphysema. Conditions associated with decreased compliance include pneumothorax, hemothorax, pleural effusion, pulmonary edema, atelectasis, pulmonary fibrosis, and ARDS.

The nurse is caring for a patient with a lower respiratory tract infection. When planning a focused respiratory assessment, the nurse should know that this type of infection most often causes what? A)Impaired gas exchange B)Collapsed bronchial structures C)Necrosis of the alveoli D)Closed bronchial tree

A Feedback: The lower respiratory tract consists of the lungs, which contain the bronchial and alveolar structures needed for gas exchange. A lower respiratory tract infection does not collapse bronchial structures or close the bronchial tree. An infection does not cause necrosis of lung tissues.

The nurse is assessing a patient who has a 35 pack-year history of cigarette smoking. In light of this known risk factor for lung cancer, what statement should prompt the nurse to refer the patient for further assessment? A) "Lately, I have this cough that just never seems to go away." B) "I find that I don't have nearly the stamina that I used to." C) "I seem to get nearly every cold and flu that goes around my workplace." D) "I never used to have any allergies, but now I think I'm developing

A Feedback: The most frequent symptom of lung cancer is cough or change in a chronic cough.

A critical-care nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with pneumonia as a surgical complication. The nurse's 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 Fowler's or supine position. D) Increase activity.

A Feedback: The nurse should encourage hydration because adequate hydration thins and loosens pulmonary secretions.

An asthma nurse educator is working with a group of adolescent asthma patients. What intervention is most likely to prevent asthma exacerbations among these patients? A) Encouraging patients to carry a corticosteroid rescue inhaler at all times B) Educating patients about recognizing and avoiding asthma triggers C) Teaching patients to utilize alternative therapies in asthma management D) Ensuring that patients keep their immunizations up to date

B Feedback: Asthma exacerbations are best managed by early treatment and education, including the use of written action plans as part of any overall effort to educate patients about self-management techniques, especially those with moderate or severe persistent asthma or with a history of severe exacerbations. Corticosteroids are not used as rescue inhalers. Alternative therapies are not normally a high priority, though their use may be appropriate in some cases. Immunizations should be kept up to date, but this does not necessarily prevent asthma exacerbations.

A patient has just been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the neck. While the nurse is doing health education, the patient asks, "Does this kind of cancer tend to spread to other parts of the body?" What is the nurse's best response? A) "In many cases, this type of cancer spreads to other parts of the body." B) "This cancer usually does not spread to distant sites in the body." C) "You will have to speak to your oncologist about that." D) "Squamous cell carcinoma is nothing to be concer

B Feedback: The incidence of distant metastasis with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (including larynx cancer) is relatively low.

A nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client with COPD. When teaching the client about breathing exercises, what should the nurse include in the teaching? A) Lie supine to facilitate air entry B) Avoid pursed lip breathing C) Use diaphragmatic breathing D) Use chest breathing

C Feedback: Inspiratory muscle training and breathing retraining may help improve breathing patterns in patients with COPD. Training in diaphragmatic breathing reduces the respiratory rate, increases alveolar ventilation, and, sometimes, helps expel as much air as possible during expiration. Pursed-lip breathing helps slow expiration, prevents collapse of small airways, and controls the rate and depth of respiration. Diaphragmatic breathing, not chest breathing, increases lung expansion. Supine positioning does not aid breathing.

A 54-year-old man has just been diagnosed with small cell lung cancer. The patient asks the nurse why the doctor is not offering surgery as a treatment. What fact about lung cancer treatment should inform the nurse's response? A) The cells in small cell cancer of the lung are not large enough to visualize in surgery. B) Small cell lung cancer is self-limiting in many patients and surgery should be delayed. C) Small cell cancer of the lung grows rapidly and metastasizes early and extensively.

C Feedback: Surgery is primarily used for NSCLCs, because small cell cancer of the lung grows rapidly and metastasizes early and extensively. Difficult visualization and a patient's medical instability are not the limiting factors. Lung cancer is not a self-limiting disease.

The nurse is caring for a 46-year-old patient recently diagnosed with the early stages of lung cancer. The nurse is aware that the preferred method of treating patients with non-small cell tumors is what? A) Chemotherapy B) Radiation C) Surgical resection D) Bronchoscopic opening of the airway

C Feedback: Surgical resection is the preferred method of treating patients with localized non-small cell tumors with no evidence of metastatic spread and adequate cardiopulmonary function.

A gerontologic nurse is teaching a group of medical nurses about the high incidence and mortality of pneumonia in older adults. What is a contributing factor to this that the nurse should describe? A)Older adults have less compliant lung tissue than younger adults. B)Older adults are not normally candidates for pneumococcal vaccination. C)Older adults often lack the classic signs and symptoms of pneumonia. D)Older adults often cannot tolerate the most common antibiotics used to treat pneumonia

C Feedback: The diagnosis of pneumonia may be missed because the classic symptoms of cough, chest pain, sputum production, and fever may be absent or masked in older adult patients. Mortality from pneumonia in the elderly is not a result of limited antibiotic options or lower lung compliance. The pneumococcal vaccine is appropriate for older adults.

The nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving oxygen therapy for pneumonia. How should the nurse best assess whether the patient is hypoxemic? A) Assess the patient's level of consciousness (LOC). B) Assess the patient's extremities for signs of cyanosis. C) Assess the patient's oxygen saturation level. D) Review the patient's hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cell levels.

C Feedback: The effectiveness of the patient's oxygen therapy is assessed by the ABG analysis or pulse oximetry. ABG results may not be readily available. Presence or absence of cyanosis is not an accurate indicator of oxygen effectiveness. The patient's LOC may be affected by hypoxia, but not every change in LOC is related to oxygenation. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cell levels do not directly reflect current oxygenation status.

A nurse is explaining to a patient with asthma what her new prescription for prednisone is used for. What would be the most accurate explanation that the nurse could give? A) To ensure long-term prevention of asthma exacerbations B) To cure any systemic infection underlying asthma attacks C) To prevent recurrent pulmonary infections D) To gain prompt control of inadequately controlled, persistent asthma

D Feedback: Prednisone is used for a short-term (3-10 days) "burst" to gain prompt control of inadequately controlled, persistent asthma. It is not used to treat infection or to prevent exacerbations in the long term.