Chapter 23: Management of Patients with Chest and Lower Respiratory Tract Disorders

Which statement would indicate that the parents of child with cystic fibrosis understand the disorder? "Early treatment can stop the progression of the disease." "The mucus-secreting glands are abnormal." "There are fibrous cysts in the lungs." "Allergic reactions cause inflammation in the lungs."

"The mucus-secreting glands are abnormal." Rationale: Cystic fibrosis is caused by dysfunction of the exocrine glands with no cystic lesions present in the lungs. Early treatment can improve symptoms and extend the life of clients, but a cure for this disorder is presently not available. Allergens are responsible for allergic asthma and not associated with cystic fibrosis.

What dietary recommendations should a nurse provide a client with a lung abscess? A diet low in calories A diet rich in protein A carbohydrate-dense diet A diet with limited fat

A diet rich in protein Rationale: For a client with lung abscess, a diet rich in protein and calories is integral because chronic infection is associated with a catabolic state. A carbohydrate-dense diet or diets with limited fat are not advisable for a client with lung abscess.

A nurse is reviewing a client's X-ray. The X-ray shows an endotracheal (ET) tube placed 3/4" (2 cm) above the carina and reveals nodular lesions and patchy infiltrates in the upper lobe. Which interpretation of the X-ray is accurate? The X-ray is inconclusive. A disease process is present. The ET tube must be advanced. The ET tube must be pulled back.

A disease process is present. Rationale: This X-ray suggests tuberculosis. An ET tube that's 3/4" above the carina is at an adequate level in the trachea. There's no need to advance it or pull it back.

Which action should the nurse take first in caring for a client during an acute asthma attack? Obtain arterial blood gases. Send for STAT chest x-ray. Administer bronchodilator as ordered. Initiate oxygen therapy and reassess pulse oximetry in 10 minutes.

Administer bronchodilator as ordered. Rationale: Explanation: Administering bronchodilator will dilate the airway and allow oxygen to reach the lungs. Although ABGs and chest x-ray are valid diagnostic tests for lung disorders, immediate action to restore gas exchange is a priority in an acute attack. The administration of oxygen is indicated, but without open bronchioles, the action will not be effective in an acute attack.

A patient is admitted to the hospital with pulmonary arterial hypertension. What assessment finding by the nurse is a significant finding for this patient? Ascites Dyspnea Hypertension Syncope

Dyspena Rationale: Dyspnea, the main symptom of PH, occurs at first with exertion and eventually at rest. Substernal chest pain also is common. Other signs and symptoms include weakness, fatigue, syncope, occasional hemoptysis, and signs of right-sided heart failure (peripheral edema, ascites, distended neck veins, liver engorgement, crackles, heart murmur). Anorexia and abdominal pain in the right upper quadrant may also occur.

A client hospitalized with pneumonia has thick, tenacious secretions. Which intervention should the nurse include when planning this client's care? Turning the client every 2 hours Elevating the head of the bed 30 degrees Encouraging increased fluid intake Maintaining a cool room temperature

Encouraging increased fluid intake Rationale: Increasing the client's intake of oral or I.V. fluids helps liquefy thick, tenacious secretions, and ensures adequate hydration. Turning the client every 2 hours would help prevent atelectasis, but will not adequately mobilize thick secretions. Elevating the head of the bed would reduce pressure on the diaphragm and ease breathing, but wouldn't help the client with secretions. Maintaining a cool room temperature wouldn't help the client with secretions.

The nurse knows the mortality rate is high in lung cancer clients due to which factor? Increase in women smokers Increased incidence among the elderly Increased exposure to industrial pollutants Few early symptoms

Few early symptoms Rationale: Because lung cancer produces few early symptoms, its mortality rate is high. Lung cancer has increased in incidence due to an increase in the number of women smokers, a growing aging population, and exposure to pollutants but these are not directly related to the incidence of mortality rates.

A nurse is caring for a client who was admitted with pneumonia, has a history of falls, and has skin lesions resulting from scratching. The priority nursing diagnosis for this client should be: Risk for falls. Ineffective breathing pattern. Impaired tissue integrity. Ineffective airway clearance.

Ineffective airway clearance. Rationale: Ineffective airway clearance is the priority nursing diagnosis for this client. Pneumonia involves excess secretions in the respiratory tract and inhibits air flow to the capillary bed. A client with pneumonia may not have an Ineffective breathing pattern, such as tachypnea, bradypnea, or Cheyne-Stokes respirations. Risk for falls and Impaired tissue integrity aren't priority diagnoses for this client.

A client diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is restless and has a low oxygen saturation level. If the client's condition does not improve and the oxygen saturation level continues to decrease, what procedure will the nurse expect to assist with in order to help the client breathe more easily? Intubate the client and control breathing with mechanical ventilation Increase oxygen administration Administer a large dose of furosemide (Lasix) IVP stat Schedule the client for pulmonary surgery

Intubate the client and control breathing with mechanical ventilation Rationale: A client with ARDS may need mechanical ventilation to assist with breathing while the underlying cause of the pulmonary edema is corrected. The other options are not appropriate.

In the prevention of occupational lung diseases, the nurse would direct preventive teaching to which high-risk occupations? Select all that apply. Banker Rock quarry worker Nurse Miner Mechanic Stone cutter

Rock Quarry Worker Miner Stone Cutter Rationale: A quarry worker and stone cutter are exposed to rock dust and silica. A miner can inhale dust, causing silicosis or pneumoconiosis. A banker, nurse, and mechanic may have work hazards, but none specific to the development of an occupational lung disease.

A patient comes to the clinic with fever, cough, and chest discomfort. The nurse auscultates crackles in the left lower base of the lung and suspects that the patient may have pneumonia. What does the nurse know is the most common organism that causes community-acquired pneumonia? Staphylococcus aureus Mycobacterium tuberculosis Pseudomonas aeruginosa Streptococcus pneumoniae

Streptococcus pneumoniae Rationale: Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is the most common cause of community-acquired pneumonia in people younger than 60 years without comorbidity and in those 60 years and older with comorbidity (Wunderink & Niederman, 2012). S. pneumoniae, a gram-positive organism that resides naturally in the upper respiratory tract, colonizes the upper respiratory tract and can cause disseminated invasive infections, pneumonia and other lower respiratory tract infections, and upper respiratory tract infections such as otitis media and rhinosinusitis. It may occur as a lobar or bronchopneumonic form in patients of any age and may follow a recent respiratory illness.

While caring for a client with a chest tube, which nursing assessment would alert the nurse to a possible complication? Skin around tube is pink. Bloody drainage is observed in the collection chamber. Absence of bloody drainage in the anterior/upper tube The tissues give a crackling sensation when palpated.

The tissues give a crackling sensation when palpated. Rationale: Subcutaneous emphysema is the result of air leaking between the subcutaneous layers. It is not a serious complication but is notable and reportable. Pink skin and blood in the collection chamber are normal findings. When two tubes are inserted, the posterior or lower tube drains fluid, whereas the anterior or upper tube is for air removal.

Which technique does a nurse suggest to a patient with pleurisy for splinting the chest wall? Turn onto the affected side. Use a prescribed analgesic. Avoid using a pillow while splinting. Use a heat or cold application.

Turn onto the affected side. Rationale: Teach the client to splint their chest wall by turning onto the affected side. The nurse instructs the patient with pleurisy to take analgesic medications as prescribed, but this not a technique related to splinting the chest wall. The patient can splint the chest wall with a pillow when coughing. The nurse instructs the patient to use heat or cold applications to manage pain with inspiration, but this not a technique related to splinting the chest wall.

A nurse assesses arterial blood gas results for a patient in acute respiratory failure (ARF). Which results are consistent with this disorder? pH 7.28, PaO2 50 mm Hg pH 7.46, PaO2 80 mm Hg pH 7.36, PaCO2 32 mm Hg pH 7.35, PaCO2 48 mm Hg

pH 7.28, PaO2 50 mm Hg Rationale: ARF is defined as a decrease in arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) to less than 60 mm Hg (hypoxemia) and an increase in arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2) to >50 mm Hg (hypercapnia), with an arterial pH less than 7.35.

A nurse is preparing dietary recommendations for a client with a lung abscess. Which statement would be included in the plan of care? "You must consume a diet rich in protein, such as chicken, fish, and beans." "You must consume a diet low in calories, such as skim milk, fresh fruits, and vegetables." "You must consume a diet high in carbohydrates, such as bread, potatoes, and pasta." "You must consume a diet low in fat by limiting dairy products and concentrated sweets."

"You must consume a diet rich in protein, such as chicken, fish, and beans." Rationale: The nurse encourages a client with a lung abscess to eat a diet that is high in protein and calories in order to ensure proper nutritional intake. A carbohydrate-dense diet or diets with limited fats are not advisable for a client with a lung abscess.

After diagnosing a client with pulmonary tuberculosis, the physician tells family members that they must receive isoniazid (INH [Laniazid]) as prophylaxis against tuberculosis. The client's daughter asks the nurse how long the drug must be taken. What is the usual duration of prophylactic isoniazid therapy? 3 to 5 days 1 to 3 weeks 2 to 4 months 6 to 12 months

6 to 12 months Rationale: Prophylactic isoniazid therapy must continue for 6 to 12 months at a daily dosage of 300 mg. Taking the drug for less than 6 months may not provide adequate protection against tuberculosis.

The nurse caring for a 2-year-old near-drowning victim monitors for what possible complication? Atelectasis Acute respiratory distress syndrome Metabolic alkalosis Respiratory acidosis

Acute respiratory distress syndrome Rationale: Factors associated with the development of ARDS include aspiration related to near drowning or vomiting; drug ingestion/overdose; hematologic disorders such as disseminated intravascular coagulation or massive transfusions; direct damage to the lungs through prolonged smoke inhalation or other corrosive substances; localized lung infection; metabolic disorders such as pancreatitis or uremia; shock; trauma such as chest contusions, multiple fractures, or head injury; any major surgery; embolism; and septicemia. Options A, C, and D are incorrect.

The ICU nurse is caring for a client who was admitted with a diagnosis of smoke inhalation. The nurse knows that this client is at increased risk for which of the following? Acute respiratory distress syndrome Lung cancer Bronchitis Tracheobronchitis

Acute respiratory distress syndrome Rationale: Factors associated with the development of ARDS include aspiration related to near drowning or vomiting; drug ingestion/overdose; hematologic disorders such as disseminated intravascular coagulation or massive transfusions; direct damage to the lungs through prolonged smoke inhalation or other corrosive substances; localized lung infection; metabolic disorders such as pancreatitis or uremia; shock; trauma such as chest contusions, multiple fractures, or head injury; any major surgery; embolism; and septicemia. Smoke inhalation does not increase the risk for lung cancer, bronchitis, and tracheobronchitis.

You are a clinic nurse caring for a client with acute tracheobronchitis. The client asks what may have caused the infection. Which of the following responses from the nurse would be most accurate? Aspiration Drug ingestion Chemical irritation Direct lung damage

Chemical irritation Rationale: Chemical irritation from noxious fumes, gases, and air contaminants can induce acute tracheobronchitis. Aspiration related to near drowning or vomiting, drug ingestion or overdose, and direct damage to the lungs are factors associated with the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome.

A client who has started therapy for drug-resistant tuberculosis demonstrates understanding of tuberculosis transmission when he says: "My tuberculosis isn't contagious after I take the medication for 24 hours." "I'm clear when my chest X-ray is negative." "I'm contagious as long as I have night sweats." "I'll stop being contagious when I have a negative acid-fast bacilli test."

"I'll stop being contagious when I have a negative acid-fast bacilli test." Rationale: A client with drug-resistant tuberculosis isn't contagious when he's had a negative acid-fast test. A client with nonresistant tuberculosis is no longer considered contagious when he shows clinical evidence of decreased infection, such as significantly decreased coughing and fewer organisms on sputum smears. The medication may not produce negative acid-fast test results for several days. The client won't have a clear chest X-ray for several months after starting treatment. Night sweats are a sign of tuberculosis, but they don't indicate whether the client is contagious.

A nurse is assessing the injection site of a client who has received a purified protein derivative test. Which finding indicates a need for further evaluation? 5-mm induration Reddened area 15-mm induration A blister

15-mm induration Rationale: A 10-mm induration strongly suggests a positive response in this tuberculosis screening test; a 15-mm induration clearly requires further evaluation. A reddened area, 5-mm induration, and a blister aren't positive reactions to the test and require no further evaluation.

A nurse is administering a purified protein derivative (PPD) test to a client. Which statement concerning PPD testing is true? A positive reaction indicates that the client has active tuberculosis (TB). A positive reaction indicates that the client has been exposed to the disease. A negative reaction always excludes the diagnosis of TB. The PPD can be read within 12 hours after the injection.

A positive reaction indicates that the client has been exposed to the disease. Rationale: A positive reaction means the client has been exposed to TB; it isn't conclusive for the presence of active disease. A positive reaction consists of palpable swelling and induration of 5 to 15 mm. It can be read 48 to 72 hours after the injection. In clients with positive reactions, further studies are usually done to rule out active disease. In immunosuppressed clients, a negative reaction doesn't exclude the presence of active disease.

The nurse knows that a sputum culture is necessary to identify the causative organism for acute tracheobronchitis. What causative fungal organism would the nurse suspect? Aspergillus Hemophilus Mycoplasma pneumoniae Streptococcus pneumoniae

Aspergillus Rationale: In acute tracheobronchitis, the inflamed mucosa of the bronchi produces mucopurulent sputum, often in response to infection by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Hemophilus influenzae, or Mycoplasma pneumoniae. In addition, a fungal infection (e.g., Aspergillus) may also cause tracheobronchitis. A sputum culture is essential to identify the specific causative organism.

Which vitamin is usually administered with isoniazid (INH) to prevent INH-associated peripheral neuropathy? Vitamin C Vitamin B6 Vitamin E Vitamin D

Vitamin B6 Rationale: Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is usually administered with INH to prevent INH-associated peripheral neuropathy. Vitamins C, D, and E are not appropriate.