COPD Chapter 24
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) expresses a desire to quit smoking. The first appropriate response from the nurse is:
"Have you tried to quit smoking before?"
The nurse is reviewing pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) instructions with a client. Which statement by the client indicates the need for further instruction?
"I can't use a spacer or holding chamber with the MDI."
A nurse has just completed teaching with a patient who has been prescribed a meter-dosed inhaler for the first time. Which of the following statements would the nurse use to initiate further teaching and follow-up care?
"I do not need to rinse my mouth with this type of inhaler."
A home health nurse visits a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who requires oxygen. Which statement by the client indicates the need for additional teaching about home oxygen use?
"I make sure my oxygen mask is on tightly so it won't fall off while I nap." Explanation:The client requires additional teaching if he states that he fits his mask tightly. Applying the oxygen mask too tightly can cause skin breakdown, so the client should be cautioned against wearing it too tightly.
A physician orders metaproterenol (Alupent) by metered-dose inhalation four times daily for a client with acute bronchitis. Which statement by the client indicates effective teaching about this medication?
"I need to hold my breath as long as possible after I take a deep inhalation."
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cor pulmonale is being prepared for discharge. The nurse should provide which instruction?
"Weigh yourself daily and report a gain of 2 lb in 1 day." Explanation: The nurse should instruct the client to weigh himself daily and report a gain of 2 lb in 1 day. COPD causes pulmonary hypertension, leading to right-sided heart failure or cor pulmonale. The resultant venous congestion causes dependent edema. A weight gain may further stress the respiratory system and worsen the client's condition. The nurse should also instruct the client to eat a low-sodium diet to avoid fluid retention and engage in moderate exercise to avoid muscle atrophy.
After reviewing the pharmacological treatment for pulmonary diseases, the nursing student knows that bronchodilators relieve bronchospasm in three ways. Choose the correct three of the following options.
- Alter smooth muscle tone - Reduce airway obstruction - Increase oxygen distribution
Upon assessment, the nurse suspects that a patient with COPD may have bronchospasm. What manifestations validate the nurse's concern? (Select all that apply.)
- Compromised gas exchange - Decreased airflow - Wheezes
A nursing student knows that there are three most common symptoms of asthma. Choose the three that apply.
- Dyspnea - Cough - Wheezing
The nursing student recalls that the underlying pathophysiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) includes the following components: (Select all that apply.)
- Inflamed airways obstruct airflow. - Mucus secretions block airways. - Overinflated alveoli impair gas exchange.
In which statements regarding medications taken by a client diagnosed with COPD do the the drug name and the drug category correctly match? Select all that apply.
- Prednisone is a corticosteroid. - Albuterol is a bronchodilator. - Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic.
Which of the following is a clinical manifestation of a pneumothorax? Select all that apply.
- Sudden chest pain - Asymmetry of chest movement - Unilateral retractions - Oxygen desaturation
A client with asthma has developed obstruction of the airway. Which of the following does the nurse understand as having potentially contributed to this problem? Choose all that apply.
- Thick mucus - Swelling of bronchial membranes - Airway remodeling
The goal for oxygen therapy in COPD is to support tissue oxygenation, decrease the work of the cardiopulmonary system, and maintain the resting partial arterial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) of at least ______ mm Hg and an arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) of at least ___%.
60 mm Hg; 90%
Which statement describes emphysema?
A disease of the airways characterized by destruction of the walls of overdistended alveoli
A physician orders a beta2 adrenergic-agonist agent (bronchodilator) that is short-acting and administered only by inhaler. The nurse knows this would probably be
Albuterol
Which is the strongest predisposing factor for asthma?
Allergy
A nurse is caring for a client with status asthmaticus. Which medication should the nurse prepare to administer?
An inhaled beta2-adrenergic agonist
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted to an acute care facility because of an acute respiratory infection. When assessing the client's respiratory status, which finding should the nurse anticipate?
An inspiratory-expiratory (I:E) ratio of 2:1
A client is diagnosed with a chronic respiratory disorder. After assessing the client's knowledge of the disorder, the nurse prepares a teaching plan. This teaching plan is most likely to include which nursing diagnosis?
Anxiety
A client experiencing an asthmatic attack is prescribed methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol) intravenously. The nurse:
Assesses fasting blood glucose levels Explanation: Adverse effects of methylprednisolone include abnormalities in glucose metabolism. The nurse monitors blood glucose levels. Methylprednisolone also increases the client's appetite and fluid retention, but the client will not decrease caloric or fluid intake as a result of these adverse effects.
Which of the following is the most common chronic disease of childhood?
Asthma
The nurse should be alert for a complication of bronchiectasis that results from a combination of retained secretions and obstruction and that leads to the collapse of alveoli. What complication should the nurse monitor for?
Atelectasis
The nurse should be alert for a complication of bronchiectasis that results from a combination of retained secretions and obstruction that leads to the collapse of alveoli. This complication is known as
Atelectasis
The wife of a patient who was admitted 3 days ago with an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) states that she is worried about her husband because he appears to be breathing "really hard." The nurse performs a respiratory assessment. Which of the following findings would indicate a need for further interventions? (Select all that apply.)
BP 122/80, HR 116, R 24, pale and clammy skin, temp 101.3 degrees F
Which statement is true about both lung transplant and bullectomy?
Both procedures improve the overall quality of life of a client with COPD.
Which of the following is a leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation?
Bronchitis
Which is the most important risk factor for development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
Cigarette smoking
Which drug is second-line pharmacotherapy for smoking abstinence?
Clonidine
A patient is prescribed a mast cell stabilizer for the treatment of asthma. Which commonly used medication will the nurse educate the patient about?
Cromolyn sodium
Although many signs and symptoms lead to a diagnosis of emphysema, one symptom stands as the primary presenting symptom. Which of the following is the primary presenting symptom?
Dyspnea
Which of the following is a symptom diagnostic of emphysema?
Dyspnea
A junior-level nursing class has just finished learning about the management of clients with chronic pulmonary diseases. They learned that a new definition of COPD leaves only one disorder within its classification. Which of the following is that disorder?
Emphysema
Which exposure accounts for most cases of COPD?
Exposure to tobacco smoke
A nurse has established a nursing diagnosis of ineffective airway clearance. The datum that best supports this diagnosis is that the client
Has wheezes in the right lung lobes
A nurse consulting with a nutrition specialist knows it's important to consider a special diet for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which diet is appropriate for this client?
High-protein
A client diagnosed with asthma is preparing for discharge. The nurse is educating the client on the proper use of a peak flow meter. The nurse instructs the client to complete which action?
If coughing occurs during the procedure, repeat it.
Asthma is cause by which type of response?
IgE-mediated
A nurse is assisting a client with mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to set a goal related to the condition. Which of the following is an appropriate goal for this client?
Increase walking distance around a city block without shortness of breath.
A client has intermittent asthma attacks. Which of the following therapies does the nurse teach the client to use at home when experiencing an asthma attack?
Inhaled albuterol (Ventolin)
A client with symptoms of mild persistent asthma is now initiating treatment. Which of the following is the preferred therapy that the nurse will teach the client to use at home?
Inhaled beclomethasone (Beconase) Explanation: For mild persistent asthma, the preferred treatment is an inhaled corticosteroid, such as beclomethasone.
A client has a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Following a coughing episode, the client reports sudden and unrelieved shortness of breath. Which of the following is the most important for the nurse to assess?
Lung sounds
Histamine, a mediator that supports the inflammatory process in asthma, is secreted by
Mast cells
A client is being seen in the emergency department for exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The first action of the nurse is to administer which of the following prescribed treatments?
Oxygen through nasal cannula at 2 L/minute
The nurse is assigned the care of a 30-year-old client diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF). Which nursing intervention will be included in the client's care plan?
Performing chest physiotherapy as ordered
In COPD, the body attempts to improve oxygen-carrying capacity by increasing the amount of red blood cells. Which term refers to this process?
Polycythemia
Which terms means an increase in the red blood cell concentration in the blood?
Polycythemia
A child is having an asthma attack and the parent can't remember which inhaler to use for quick relief. The nurse accesses the child's medication information and tells the parent to use which inhalant?
Proventil
A patient with asthma is prescribed a short acting beta-adrenergic (SABA) for quick relief. Which of the following is the most likely drug to be prescribed?
Proventil
The nurse is assigned to care for a patient with COPD with hypoxemia and hypercapnia. When planning care for this patient, what does the nurse understand is the main goal of treatment?
Providing sufficient oxygen to improve oxygenation
A patient is being treated for status asthmaticus. What danger sign does the nurse observe that can indicate impending respiratory failure?
Respiratory acidosis
In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), decreased carbon dioxide elimination results in increased carbon dioxide tension in arterial blood, leading to which of the following acid-base imbalances?
Respiratory acidosis
As status asthmaticus worsens, the nurse would expect which acid-base imbalance?
Respiratory acidosis Explanation: As status asthmaticus worsens, the PaCO2 increases and the pH decreases, reflecting respiratory acidosis.
A nurse administers albuterol (Proventil), as ordered, to a client with emphysema. Which finding indicates that the drug is producing a therapeutic effect?
Respiratory rate of 22 breaths/minute
A pneumothorax is a possible complication of COPD. Symptoms will depend on the suddenness of the attack and the size of the air leak. The most common, immediate symptom that should be assessed is:
Sharp, stabbing chest pain
A patient comes to the clinic for the third time in 2 months with chronic bronchitis. What clinical symptoms does the nurse anticipate assessing for this patient?
Sputum and a productive cough
To help prevent infections in clients with COPD, the nurse should recommend vaccinations against two bacterial organisms. Which of the following are the two vaccinations?
Streptococcus pneumonia and Haemophilus influenzae
A nurse is developing a teaching plan for a client with asthma. Which teaching point has the highest priority?
Take ordered medications as scheduled.
For a client with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which nursing action best promotes adequate gas exchange?
Using a Venturi mask to deliver oxygen as ordered
Which of the following is not a primary symptom of COPD?
Weight gain
A patient with cystic fibrosis is admitted to the hospital with pneumonia. When should the nurse administer the pancreatic enzymes that the patient has been prescribed?
With meals
At 11 p.m., a client is admitted to the emergency department. He has a respiratory rate of 44 breaths/minute. He's anxious, and wheezes are audible. The client is immediately given oxygen by face mask and methylprednisolone (Depo-medrol) I.V. At 11:30 p.m., the client's arterial blood oxygen saturation is 86%, and he's still wheezing. The nurse should plan to administer:
albuterol (Proventil). Explanation: The client is hypoxemic because of bronchoconstriction as evidenced by wheezes and a subnormal arterial oxygen saturation level. The client's greatest need is bronchodilation, which can be accomplished by administering bronchodilators. Albuterol is a beta2 adrenergic agonist, which causes dilation of the bronchioles. It's given by nebulization or metered-dose inhalation and may be given as often as every 30 to 60 minutes until relief is accomplished.
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is recovering from a myocardial infarction. Because the client is extremely weak and can't produce an effective cough, the nurse should monitor closely for:
atelectasis Explanation: In a client with COPD, an ineffective cough impedes secretion removal. This, in turn, causes mucus plugging, which leads to localized airway obstruction — a known cause of atelectasis.
A nurse is assisting with a subclavian vein central line insertion when the client's oxygen saturation drops rapidly. He complains of shortness of breath and becomes tachypneic. The nurse suspects the client has developed a pneumothorax. Further assessment findings supporting the presence of a pneumothorax include:
diminished or absent breath sounds on the affected side.
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease tells a nurse that he feels short of breath. The client's respiratory rate is 36 breaths/minute and the nurse auscultates diffuse wheezes. His arterial oxygen saturation is 84%. The nurse calls the assigned respiratory therapist to administer an ordered nebulizer treatment. The therapist says, "I have several more nebulizer treatments to do on the unit where I am now. As soon as I'm finished, I'll come and assess the client." The nurse's most appropriate action is to:
give the nebulizer treatment herself.
A client with bronchiectasis is admitted to the nursing unit. The primary focus of nursing care for this client includes
implementing measures to clear pulmonary secretions.
The classification of grade I COPD is defined as
mild COPD
The classification of Stage II of COPD is defined as
moderate COPD
The classification of Stage III of COPD is defined as
severe COPD
A nurse is caring for a client experiencing an acute asthma attack. The client stops wheezing and breath sounds aren't audible. This change occurred because:
the airways are so swollen that no air can get through.
A client is receiving theophylline for long-term control and prevention of asthma symptoms. Client education related to this medication will include
the importance of blood tests to monitor serum concentrations.
The classification of Stage IV of COPD is defined as
very severe COPD.
