NUR 108 Ch 39 Oxygenation and Perfusion
The nurse is preparing discharge teaching for a client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which teaching about deep breathing will the nurse include? "Take in a little air over 10 seconds, hold your breath 15 seconds, and exhale slowly." "Take in a small amount of air very quickly and then exhale as quickly as possible." "Inhale slowly over three seconds, purse your lips, contract abdominal muscles, and exhale slowly." "Take in a large volume of air over 5 seconds and hold your breath as long as you can before exhaling."
"Inhale slowly over three seconds, purse your lips, contract abdominal muscles, and exhale slowly." Explanation: Pursed-lip breathing is a form of controlled ventilation that is effective for clients with COPD. Other answers are incorrect techniques for deep breathing.
A nurse is delivering 3 L/min oxygen to a client via nasal cannula. What percentage of delivered oxygen is the client receiving? 23% 28% 32% 47%
32% Explanation: A nasal cannula is used to deliver from 1 L/minute to 6 L/minute of oxygen. 1 L/minute = 24%, 2 L/minute = 28%, 3 L/minute = 32%, 4 L/minute = 36%, 5 L/minute = 40%, and 6 L/minute = 44%
The nurse is caring for a client who has a compromised cardiopulmonary system and needs to assess the client's tissue oxygenation. The nurse would use which appropriate method to assess this client's oxygenation? Hematocrit values Hemoglobin levels Pulmonary function Arterial blood gas
Arterial blood gas Explanation: Arterial blood gases include the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, bicarbonate, and pH. Blood gases determine the adequacy of alveolar gas exchange and the ability of the lungs and kidneys to maintain the acid-base balance of body fluids.
A nurse using a pulse oximeter to measure a client's SpO2 obtains a reading of 95%. What is the nurse's most appropriate action? Encourage the client to do deep-breathing exercises. Raise the head of the client's bed slightly, if tolerated. Review the medications that the client has taken in the past 90 minutes. Document this expected assessment finding.
Document this expected assessment finding. Explanation: A range of 95% to 100% is considered normal oxygen saturation. As such, there is no need to change the client's position, encourage deep-breathing exercises and coughing, or to review the client's medication history.
Which dietary guideline would be appropriate for the older adult homebound client with advanced respiratory disease who informs the nurse that she has no energy to eat? Snack on high-carbohydrate foods frequently. Eat smaller meals that are high in protein. Contact the physician for nutrition shake. Eat one large meal at noon.
Eat smaller meals that are high in protein. Explanation: The client should consume a diet in which the body can produce plasma proteins. The client should have sufficient caloric and protein intake for respiratory muscle strength.
Which skin disorder is associated with asthma? Seborrhea Psoriasis Abrasions Eczema
Eczema Explanation: The client with asthma often recalls childhood allergies and eczema.
The nurse assesses a client and detects the following findings: difficulty breathing, increased respiratory and pulse rates, and pale skin with regions of cyanosis. What condition would the nurse suspect as causing these respiratory alterations? Hyperventilation Hypoxia Perfusion Atelectasis
Hypoxia Explanation: Hypoxia is a condition in which an inadequate amount of oxygen is available to cells. Difficulty breathing, increased respiratory and pulse rates, and pale skin with regions of cyanosis are all signs of hypoxia. Hyperventilation is an increased rate and depth of ventilation, above the body's normal metabolic requirements. Perfusion refers to the process by which oxygenated capillary blood passes through body tissues. Atelectasis refers to collapsed alveoli.
A health care provider orders the collection of a sputum specimen from a client with a suspected bacterial infection. Which action best ensures a usable specimen? Place the client in the dorsal recumbent position to collect the specimen. Have the client clear the nose and throat and gargle with salt water before beginning the procedure. Instruct the client to inhale deeply and then cough. Discard the first sputum produced by the client.
Instruct the client to inhale deeply and then cough. Explanation: The client should be instructed to inhale deeply and cough; if this results in sputum, it should be collected in the container. The client should be placed in a semi-Fowler's position and instructed to clear the nose and throat and rinse the throat with water.
Which teaching about the oxygen analyzer is important for the nurse to provide to a client using oxygen? It prescribes oxygen concentration. It regulates the amount of oxygen received. It determines whether the client is getting enough oxygen. It decreases dry mucous membranes via delivering small water droplets.
It determines whether the client is getting enough oxygen. Explanation: The oxygen analyzer measures the percentage of delivered oxygen to determine whether the client is receiving the prescribed amount. The flowmeter is a gauge used to regulate the amount of oxygen that a client receives. The provider prescribes concentration. The humidifier produces small water droplets that are delivered during oxygen administration to decrease dry mucous membranes.
A client's primary care provider has informed the nurse that the client will require thoracentesis. The nurse should suspect that the client has developed which disorder of lung function? Pleural effusion Tachypnea Wheezes Pneumonia
Pleural effusion Explanation: Thoracentesis involves the removal of fluid from the pleural space, either for diagnostic purposes or to remove an accumulation of fluid in this space (pleural effusion). Tachypnea and wheezes are not symptoms that directly indicate a need for thoracentesis. Pneumonia would necessitate the procedure only if the infection resulted in pleural effusion.
When caring for a client with a tracheostomy, the nurse would perform which recommended action? Clean the wound around the tube and inner cannula at least every 24 hours. Assess a newly inserted tracheostomy every 3 to 4 hours. Use gauze dressings over the tracheostomy that are filled with cotton. Suction the tracheostomy tube using sterile technique.
Suction the tracheostomy tube using sterile technique. Explanation: Sterile technique is required when suctioning a tracheostomy in order to prevent introduction of microorganisms into the respiratory tract. The area around a new tracheostomy may need to be assessed and cleaned every 1 to 2 hours. Gauze dressings that are not filled with cotton must be used to prevent aspiration of lint or cotton fibers into the trachea.
A client has edema of the feet and ankles, along with crackles in the lower lobes and a frothy, productive cough. The client is suffering from: pulmonary embolism. myocardial infarction. lung cancer. congestive heart failure.
congestive heart failure. Explanation: A client who has edema and a cough that is productive with frothy sputum is manifesting heart failure.
The nurse is caring for a client who has been prescribed humidified oxygen at 6 L/minute. Which type of liquid will the nurse gather to set up the humidifier? tap water normal saline distilled water mineral oil
distilled water Explanation: Distilled water is used when humidification is desired. Other answers are incorrect.
The nurse is implementing an order for oxygen for a client with facial burns. Which delivery device will the nurse gather? face tent simple mask nasal cannula tracheostomy collar
face tent Explanation: A face tent is used without a mask; it is open and loose around the face and is often used for patients with facial trauma or burns. A simple mask or nasal cannula would irritate the facial skin. The client does not have a tracheostomy.
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) requires low flow oxygen. How will the oxygen be administered? nasal cannula simple oxygen mask Venturi mask partial rebreather mask
nasal cannula Explanation: Nasal cannula and tubing administer oxygen concentrations at 22% to 44%.
While examining a client, the nurse palpates the client's chest and back. What would the nurse expect to identify with this technique? fluid-filled portions of the lung pattern of thoracic expansion consolidated portions of the lung presence of pleural rub
pattern of thoracic expansion Explanation: The nurse can assess patterns of thoracic expansion through palpation. Fluid-filled and consolidated portions of lungs can be assessed through percussion, not through palpation. Presence of pleural rub can be assessed through auscultation.
The nurse is caring for a client who has had a percutaneous tracheostomy (PCT) following a motor vehicle accident and has been prescribed oxygen. What delivery device will the nurse select that is most appropriate for this client? simple mask tracheostomy collar nasal cannula face tent
tracheostomy collar Explanation: A tracheostomy collar delivers oxygen near an artificial opening in the neck. This is appropriate for a client who has had a PCT. All other devices are less appropriate for this client.
A client with a chest tube wishes to ambulate to the bathroom. What is the appropriate nursing response? "The chest tube cannot be moved." "You will need to use a bedpan while the chest tube is in position." "Let me get the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) for you." "I can assist you to the bathroom and back to bed."
"I can assist you to the bathroom and back to bed." Explanation: The client can move in bed, and ambulate while carrying the drainage system, as long as he or she has orders to do so. The nurse should supervise ambulation to the bathroom and back to bed while the client has the drain inserted to make sure it stays intact and to monitor for safety. Other answers are incorrect.
The nurse educator is presenting a lecture on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Which response given by the nursing staff would indicate to the educator that they have an understanding of cardiac output? "If the client's stroke volume is 70 mL and heart rate is 70 beats per minute, then the cardiac output is 4.7 L/minute." "If the client's stroke volume is 80 mL and heart rate is 80 beats per minute, then the cardiac output is 6.0 L/minute." "If the client's stroke volume is 60 mL and heart rate is 60 beats per minute, then the cardiac output is 3.2 L/minute." "If the client's stroke volume is 50 mL and heart rate is 50 beats per minute, then the cardiac output is 2.5 L/minute."
"If the client's stroke volume is 50 mL and heart rate is 50 beats per minute, then the cardiac output is 2.5 L/minute." Explanation: The following formula is used to determine cardiac output: Cardiac Output = Stroke Volume x Heart Rate. A client with a stroke volume of 50 mL and heart rate of 50 beats per minute has a cardiac output of 2.5 L/minute. If stroke volume is 70 and heart rate is 70 beats per minute, then the cardiac output is 4.9 L/minute. If stroke volume is 80 and heart rate is 80 beats per minute, then the cardiac output is 6.4 L/minute.
The nurse is demonstrating oxygen administration to a client. Which teaching will the nurse include about the humidifier? "This is a gauge used to regulate the amount of oxygen that a client receives." "The humidifier prescribes the concentration of oxygen." "It measures the percentage of delivered oxygen to determine whether the client is getting the amount prescribed." "Small water droplets come from this, thus preventing dry mucous membranes."
"Small water droplets come from this, thus preventing dry mucous membranes." Explanation: The humidifier produces small water droplets which are delivered during oxygen administration to prevent or decrease dry mucous membranes. The oxygen analyzer measures the percentage of delivered oxygen to determine whether the client is receiving the prescribed amount. The flowmeter is a gauge used to regulate the amount of oxygen that a client receives. The healthcare provider prescribed the concentration of oxygen.
The obstetric nurse is assisting the birth of a preterm neonate. In preparing for the respiratory needs of the neonate, the nurse is aware that surfactant is formed in utero around: 34 to 36 weeks. 30 to 32 weeks. 32 to 34 weeks. 36 to 38 weeks.
34 to 36 weeks. Explanation: Surfactant is formed in utero around 34 to 36 weeks. An infant born prior to 34 weeks may not have sufficient surfactant produced, leading to collapse of the alveoli and poor alveolar exchange. Synthetic surfactant can be given to the infant to help reopen the alveoli.
A nurse is calculating the cardiac output of an adult with a stroke volume of 75 mL (75 × 109/L) and a pulse of 78 beats/min. What number would the nurse document for this assessment? 5,000 mL (5,000 × 109/L) 5,550 mL (5,500 × 109/L) 5,850 mL (5,850 × 109/L) 6,000 mL (6,000 × 109/L)
5,850 mL (5,850 × 109/L) Explanation: Cardiac output is determined by multiplying the stroke volume by the heart rate/min, which equals 5,850 mL (5,850 × 109/L). Cardiac output and peripheral resistance determine both systolic and diastolic pressures.
The nurse is reviewing the chart of a client receiving oxygen therapy. The nurse would question which supplemental oxygen prescription if written by the health care practitioner? 10 L/min oxygen via Venturi mask 8 L/min oxygen via partial rebreather mask 8 L/min oxygen via nasal cannula 12 L/min oxygen via nonrebreather mask
8 L/min oxygen via nasal cannula Explanation: The correct amount delivered FiO2 for a nonrebreather mask is 12 L/min; 8-11 L/min for partial rebreather mask; 4-10 L/min for Venturi mask; and 1-6 L/min for nasal cannula. However, per nasal cannula it may be no more than 2-3 L/min to for a client with chronic lung disease.
A nurse is preparing to use a wall unit to suction an endotracheal tube. At what pressure should the suction be set? 60 to 80 mm Hg 80 to 150 mm Hg 100 to 160 mm Hg 120 to 170 mm Hg
80 to 150 mm Hg Explanation: When utilizing a wall unit to suction an endotracheal tube, the pressure should be set at 80 to 150 mm Hg. This level will provide enough pressure to suction out secretions from the endotracheal tube.
A client who was prescribed CPAP reports nonadherence to treatment. What is the priority nursing intervention? Ask the client what factors contribute to nonadherence. Contact the health care provider to report the client's current status. Explain the use of a BiPAP mask instead of a CPAP mask. Document outcomes of modifications in care.
Ask the client what factors contribute to nonadherence. Explanation: The nurse must first assess the reasons that contribute to nonadherence; interventions cannot be determined without a thorough assessment. Then, the nurse can work with the health care provider to find alternate treatment options if necessary, and then document the care.
The nurse is caring for a client receiving oxygen therapy via nasal cannula. The client suddenly becomes cyanotic with a pulse oximetry reading of 91%. What is the next most appropriate action the nurse should take? Assess lung sounds Reposition client Elevate head of the bed Assess oxygen tubing connection
Assess oxygen tubing connection Explanation: If the client suddenly becomes cyanotic, the nurse should assess the oxygen tubing to make sure it is still connected. Assessing lung sounds, repositioning the client, and elevating the head of the bed will not correct the problem if the tubing is disconnected.
A nurse is reading a journal article about pollutants and their effect on an individual's respiratory function. Which problem would the nurse most likely identify as an effect of exposure to automobile pollutants? Atelectasis Bronchitis Bronchiectasis Croup
Bronchitis Explanation: Bronchitis refers to a condition in which the airways become inflammed, commonly due to respiratory irritants such as air pollution and high humidity. Exposure to such irritants leads to the release of inflammatory mediators, which in turn, lead to inflammation and narrowing of the airways and increased mucus production. Atelectasis refers to the partial or complete collapse of the small air sacs in the lungs, common after surgery or with obstruction or compression of the airways or lungs. Bronchiectasis results from chronic inflammation or infection causing an excess accumulation of mucus. Croup is an infection of the airways, most commonly viral in origin.
Which medication is administered in the home or the hospital to relieve inflammation in the lung tissue? Antibiotics Bronchodilators Expectorants Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids Explanation: In many cases, bronchodilators and corticosteroids are required to open airways and ease breathing. Corticosteroids relieve inflammation.
A client with closed-angle glaucoma and a cough has a prescription for a cough medicine. The nurse would question which cough medicine if prescribed for this client? Cough medicine with a high sugar content Cough medicine with iodine Cough medicine with an antihistamine Cough medicine with a decongestant
Cough medicine with an antihistamine Explanation: The client with closed-angle glaucoma should avoid cough medicine because of its anticholinergic action. The client with diabetes should avoid cough medicine with a high sugar content. The client with thyroid disorders should avoid cough medicine containing iodine. The client with hypertension should avoid cough medicine with decongestants.
The client has an increased anteroposterior chest diameter, dyspnea, and nasal flaring. The mostappropriate nursing diagnosis is: Hypoxia related to pneumonia and ineffective airway clearance related to dyspnea edema. Ineffective Breathing Pattern related to hyperventilation related to increased anteroposterior diameter. Risk for Ineffective Airway Clearance related to infection as evidenced by dyspnea and yellow-green sputum. Impaired Gas Exchange related to increased carbon dioxide and irritability.
Ineffective Breathing Pattern related to hyperventilation related to increased anteroposterior diameter. Explanation: Ineffective breathing pattern is the state in which a person's inspiration and/or expiration pattern does not provide adequate ventilation.
The nurse is suctioning a client's tracheostomy when the tracheostomy becomes dislodged and the nurse is unable to replace it easily. What is the nurse's most appropriate response? Page the respiratory therapist STAT. Maintain the client's oxygenation and alert the health care provider immediately. Cover the tracheostomy stoma and apply oxygen by nasal cannula Assess the client's respiratory status and check vital signs every 1 minute for the next hour.
Maintain the client's oxygenation and alert the health care provider immediately. Explanation: If the tracheostomy becomes dislodged and is not easily replaced, the nurse should notify the primary care provider immediately, cover the tracheostomy stoma, and assess client's respiratory status.
A client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been ordered oxygen at 3 L/min as needed for treatment of dyspnea. What delivery mode is most appropriate to this client's needs? Nasal cannula Simple mask Partial rebreather mask Nonrebreather mask
Nasal cannula Explanation: A nasal cannula is used to deliver from 1 L/min to 6 L/min of oxygen. Masks are used with higher flow rates of oxygen.
When a nurse observes that an older client's skin is dry and shiny and his nails are thickened, the nurse determines that the client is most likely experiencing Anemia Malnutrition Poor tissue perfusion Congestive heart failure
Poor tissue perfusion Explanation: Chronically poor perfusion may result in hair loss in the affected area, discolored skin, thickened nails, and shiny, dry skin indicative of inadequate tissue nutrition.
When reviewing data collection on a client with a cardiac output of 2.5 L/minute, the nurse inspects the client for which symptom? Rapid respirations Weight loss Increased urine output Mental alertness
Rapid respirations Explanation: Normal cardiac output averages from 3.5 L/minute to 8.0 L/minute. With decreased cardiac output, there is a reduction in the amount of circulating blood that is available to deliver oxygen to the tissues. The body compensates by increasing respiratory rate to increase oxygen delivery to the tissues. The client with decreased cardiac output would gain weight, have decreased urine output, and display mental confusion.
A client vomits as a nurse is inserting his oropharyngeal airway. What would be the most appropriate intervention in this situation? Remove the airway, turn the client to the side, and provide mouth suction, if necessary. Immediately remove the airway, rinse the client's mouth with sterile water, and report this to the health care provider. Leave the airway in place and promptly notify the health care provider for further instructions. Suction the client's mouth through the oropharyngeal airway to prevent aspiration.
Remove the airway, turn the client to the side, and provide mouth suction, if necessary. Explanation: If the client vomits as the oropharyngeal airway is inserted, quickly position the client onto his or her side to prevent aspiration, remove the oral airway, and suction the mouth, if needed. It would be inappropriate and unsafe to leave the airway in place. Rinsing the client's mouth with water is not a priority.
The nurse schedules a pulmonary function test to measure the amount of air left in a client's lungs at maximal expiration. What test does the nurse order? Tidal volume (TV) Total lung capacity (TLC) Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV) Residual Volume (RV)
Residual Volume (RV) Explanation: During a pulmonary function test the amount of air left in the lungs at the end of maximal expiration is called residual volume. Tidal volume refers to the total amount of air inhaled and exhaled with one breath. Total lung capacity is the amount of air contained within the lungs at maximum inspiration. Forced expiratory volume measures the amount of air exhaled in the first second after a full inspiration; it can also be measured at 2 or 3 seconds.
The nurse is caring for a postoperative client who has a prescription for meperidine 75 mg intramuscularly (IM) every 4 hours as needed for pain. Before and after administering meperidine, the nurse would assess which most important sign? Apical pulse Orthostatic blood pressure Respiratory rate and depth Urinary intake and output
Respiratory rate and depth Explanation: The client receiving narcotics/opioids needs monitoring of the respiratory rate and depth to ensure that respiratory depression does not result in progressive respiratory issues, physiologic damage from respiratory depression, or loss of consciousness. The pulse, blood pressure, and urinary intake and output are not as important as respiratory status when administering narcotics.
The nurse educator would intervene with client teaching if which action by the staff nurse occurs when teaching voluntary coughing? The nurse has the client lying in bed in semi-Fowler's position. The nurse develops a specific schedule for coughing. The nurse encourages the client to cough before meals. The nurse reminds the client to combine coughing and deep breathing.
The nurse has the client lying in bed in semi-Fowler's position. Explanation: The client should be sitting upright with feet flat on the floor to be most effective. As part of the client's plan of care, the nurse should develop a specific schedule for coughing. Coughing before meals improves the taste of food and oxygenation. When combined with deep breathing, coughing is most effective.
The nurse is performing an arterial blood gas sampling on a client at 10:45. The nurse educator intervenes if which action is taken by the nurse? The nurse stops holding pressure at 10:55. The nurse selects the radial artery as choice of site. The nurse performs the Allen test after blood sample is taken. The nurse immediately places the arterial specimen on ice.
The nurse performs the Allen test after blood sample is taken. Explanation: The Allen test is done before puncture to ensure adequate ulnar blood flow when using the radial artery. The arterial specimen is immediately placed on ice and taken to the laboratory. The radial, brachial, or femoral arteries are usually the sites of choice for an arterial blood sampling. The nurse should apply pressure for 5 to 10 minutes, longer if the client is on anticoagulant therapy.
Which guideline is recommended for determining suction catheter depth when suctioning an endotracheal tube? *Combine the length of the endotracheal tube and any adapter being used, and add an additional 2 cm. *Using a suction catheter with centimeter increments on it, insert the suction catheter into the endotracheal tube until the centimeter markings on both the endotracheal tube and catheter align, and insert the suction catheter no further than an additional 1 cm. *Using a spare endotracheal tube of the same size as being used for the client, insert the suction catheter halfway to the end of the tube and note the length of catheter used to reach this point. *For a closed system, combine the length of the endotracheal or tracheostomy tube and any adapter being used, and add an additional 3 cm.
Using a suction catheter with centimeter increments on it, insert the suction catheter into the endotracheal tube until the centimeter markings on both the endotracheal tube and catheter align, and insert the suction catheter no further than an additional 1 cm. Explanation: Guidelines to determine suction catheter depth include the following: Using a suction catheter with centimeter increments on it, insert the suction catheter into the endotracheal tube until the centimeter markings on both the endotracheal tube and catheter align, and insert the suction catheter no further than an additional 1 cm past the length of the endotracheal tube. Combine the length of the endotracheal tube and any adapter being used, and add an additional 1 cm. Using a spare endotracheal or tracheostomy tube of the same size as being used for the client, insert the suction catheter to the end of the tube and note the length of catheter used to reach the end of the tube. For a closed system, combine the length of the endotracheal or tracheostomy tube and any adapter being used, and add an additional 1 cm.
During data collection, the nurse auscultates low-pitched, soft sounds over the lungs' peripheral fields. Which appropriate terminology would the nurse use to describe these lung sounds when documenting? Crackles Bronchovesicular Bronchial Vesicular
Vesicular Explanation: Vesicular breath sounds are normal and described as low-pitched, soft sounds over the lungs' peripheral fields. Crackles are soft, high-pitched, discontinuous popping sounds heard on inspiration. Medium-pitched blowing sounds heard over the major bronchi describe bronchovesicular breath sounds. Bronchial breath sounds are loud, high-pitched sounds heard over the trachea and larynx.
A nurse assessing a client's respiratory status gets a weak signal from the pulse oximeter. The client's other vital signs are within reference ranges. What is the nurse's best action? Warm the client's hands and try again. Place the probe on the client's earlobe. Shine available light on the equipment to facilitate accurate reading. Use a blood pressure cuff to increase circulation to the site.
Warm the client's hands and try again. Explanation: Finding an absent or weak signal, the nurse should check vital signs and client condition. If satisfactory, warming the extremity may facilitate a stronger reading. This should be attempted prior to resorting to using the client's earlobe. Bright light can interfere with the operation of light sensors and cause an unreliable report. A blood pressure cuff will compromise venous blood flow to the site leading to inaccurate readings.
A nurse is volunteering at a day camp. A child is stung by a bee and develops wheezing in the upper airways. The child is experiencing: a bronchospasm. bronchitis. bronchiectasis. bronchiolitis.
a bronchospasm. Explanation: When allergic responses take place in the lungs, breathing difficulties are far more severe. Small airways become edematous, mucus production increases, and inflammatory chemical mediators cause bronchospasm.
In which client would the nurse assess for a depressed respiratory system? a client taking amlodipine for hypertension a client taking antibiotics for a urinary tract infection a client taking insulin for diabetes a client taking opioids for cancer pain
a client taking opioids for cancer pain Explanation: Many medications affect the function of, and depress, the respiratory system. The nurse should monitor clients taking certain medications, such as opioids, for rate and depth of respirations. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker and the medication decreased blood pressure, so the nurse would need to assess blood pressure. Antibiotics are used for urinary tract infections as well as other infections and the infections do not affect the respiratory system. Insulin decreases blood sugar which a person with diabetes may need to take every day. Insulin does not affect the respiratory system.
A woman comes to the emergency room with her 2-year-old son. She states he woke up and had a loud barking cough. The child is suffering from: atelectasis. pulmonary fibrosis. asthma. croup.
croup. Explanation: Croup and epiglottitis are common in young children. The child has an obstruction of the upper airways, with swelling of the throat tissue. Atelectasis results when the lungs collapse as a result of the alveoli being unable to expand. Symptoms include difficulty breathing and discomfort. Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition in which the lung tissue becomes stiff and unable to expand appropriately. Asthma is a condition associated with bronchoconstriction. The symptoms include nonproductive cough, dyspnea, and wheezing.
A 24-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital for an exacerbation of symptoms related to her cystic fibrosis. During a nurse's assessment of the client, the nurse notices a bluish color around her lips. What is the client exhibiting in this scenario? cyanosis eupnea hypercapnia hypoxemia
cyanosis Explanation: Cyanosis around the lips indicates serious hypoxemia. Cyanosis is caused by a desaturation of oxygen on the hemoglobin in the blood. Hypercapnia is caused by an abnormally high carbon dioxide level in the blood. Hypoxemia is caused by low oxygen levels in the blood. Eupnea is easy, free respiration.
Oxygen and carbon dioxide move between the alveoli and the blood by: osmosis. hyperosmolar pressure. diffusion. negative pressure.
diffusion. Explanation: Oxygen and carbon dioxide move between the alveoli and the blood by diffusion, the process in which molecules move from an area of greater concentration or pressure to an area of lower concentration or pressure.
The nurse is conducting a respiratory assessment of a client age 71 years who has been recently admitted to the hospital unit. Which assessment finding should the nurse interpret as abnormal? fine crackles to the bases of the lungs bilaterally respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute resonance on percussion of lung fields vesicular breath sounds audible over peripheral lung fields
fine crackles to the bases of the lungs bilaterally Explanation: Except in the case of infants, fine crackles always constitute an abnormal assessment finding. A respiratory rate of 18 is within acceptable range. Vesicular sounds over peripheral lung fields and resonance on percussion are expected assessment findings.
A client has been put on oxygen therapy because of low oxygen saturation levels in the blood. What should the nurse use to regulate the amount of oxygen delivered to the client? oxygen analyzer nasal strip nasal cannula flow meter
flow meter Explanation: The nurse should use a flow meter to regulate the amount of oxygen delivered to the client. A flow meter is a gauge used to regulate the amount of oxygen delivered to the client and is attached to the source of oxygen. An oxygen analyzer is a device that measures the percentage of delivered oxygen to determine if the client is receiving the amount prescribed by the physician. An adhesive nasal strip increases the nasal diameter and promotes easier breathing. A nasal cannula is a hollow tube used for delivering a small concentration of oxygen. However, these devices are not used to regulate the amount of oxygen delivered to the client.
An older adult client is visibly pale with a respiratory rate of 30 breaths per minute. Upon questioning, the client states to the nurse, "I can't seem to catch my breath." The nurse has responded by repositioning the client and measuring the client's oxygen saturation using pulse oximetry, yielding a reading of 90%. The nurse should interpret this oxygen saturation reading in light of the client's: hemoglobin level. age. blood pH. sodium and potassium levels.
hemoglobin level. Explanation: Pulse oximetry readings are reflective of the number of available oxygen receptors on hemoglobin molecules. Consequently, an acceptable reading in a client with low hemoglobin can be artificially inflated. Age, blood pH, and electrolyte levels do not have a direct bearing on the accuracy and clinical application of pulse oximetry.
The nurse is preparing to provide hygiene care to a client with hypoxia. Into what position will the nurse place the client? supine prone high Fowlers Trendelenburg
high Fowlers Explanation: High Fowlers position allows the client with hypoxia to breathe easier. This promotes lung expansion because the abdominal organs descend away from the diaphragm. Other answers are incorrect.
The nurse is listening to the client's lungs and hears them fill with air and then return to a resting position. How will the nurse document this assessment data? inspiration and expiration expiration and ventilation ventilation and respiration respiration and inspiration
inspiration and expiration Explanation: Lungs stretch and fill with air during inspiration and return to a resting position following expiration. Ventilation is the movement of air in and out of the lungs. Respiration is the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
The nurse is caring for a client admitted for a mild exacerbation of asthma who has been prescribed portable oxygen at 2 L/min. What delivery device will the nurse select to apply oxygen to the client? nasal cannula tracheostomy collar simple mask face tent
nasal cannula Explanation: A nasal cannula is ideal for administering low concentrations of oxygen to clients who are not extremely hypoxic or have chronic lung disease. The client does not have a tracheostomy. A simple mask is used to administer higher levels of oxygen than 2 L/min. A face tent is used without a mask.
Which is a sign of dyspnea specific to infants? panting respirations a forward-leaning position nasal flaring increased respiratory rate
nasal flaring Explanation: In the infant, flaring of the nostrils and retractions of the ribs during inspiration are notable signs of air hunger and extraordinary work of breathing.
A nurse is assigned to care for a client admitted to the health care facility with the diagnosis of atelectasis. When interviewing the client, the nurse would anticipate a history of: croup. asthma. alcohol use. pneumonia.
pneumonia. Explanation: Pneumonia, which causes the lungs to swell and stiffen, can lead to atelectasis. Stiffer lungs tend to collapse, and their alveoli also collapse. Consequently, the amount of space available for gas exchange in the lungs decreases. Croup, asthma, and alcohol use do not lead to atelectasis. Croup, which is common young children, is a condition that obstructs upper airways by swelling the throat tissues. Asthma causes the small airways to become inflamed and narrowed. Alcohol use depresses the central respiratory center.
A client returns to the telemetry unit after an operative procedure. Which diagnostic test will the nurse perform to monitor the effectiveness of the oxygen therapy ordered for the client? pulse oximetry thoracentesis spirometry peak expiratory flow rate
pulse oximetry Explanation: Pulse oximetry is useful for monitoring clients receiving oxygen therapy, titrating oxygen therapy, monitoring those at risk for hypoxia, and postoperative clients. Peak expiratory flow rate is used to monitor severe respiratory diseases and the degree of disease control. Spirometry is used in the postoperative period to measure the volume of air in liters exhaled or inhaled. Spirometry also evaluates lung function and airway obstruction but does not specifically monitor the effectiveness of oxygen therapy. Thoracentesis is a procedure that allows the physician to aspirate pleural fluid for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
Which normal conditions would a nurse expect to find when performing a physical assessment of a client's respiratory system? Select all that apply. slightly contoured chest with no sternal depression anteroposterior diameter of the chest less than the transverse diameter quiet and nonlabored respiration occurring at a rate of 18 to 30 bpm barrel chest appearance in older adults bronchial, vesicular, and bronchovesicular breath sounds crackles heard on inspiration.
slightly contoured chest with no sternal depression anteroposterior diameter of the chest less than the transverse diameter bronchial, vesicular, and bronchovesicular breath sounds Explanation: The adult chest contour is slightly convex, with no sternal depression. The anteroposterior diameter should be less than the transverse diameter for normal respirations. Bronchial, vesicular, and bronchovesicular are normal breath sounds, depending on the lung fields being assessed. Respirations should be nonlabored with a normal rate of 12 to 20 breaths per minute. Crackles should not be heard on inspiration as this is a sign of mucus or fluid in the lung tissue.
A nurse suctioning a client through a tracheostomy tube should be careful not to occlude the Y-port when inserting the suction catheter because it would cause what condition to occur? trauma to the tracheal mucosa prevention of suctioning loss of sterile field suctioning of carbon dioxide
trauma to the tracheal mucosa Explanation: Occluding the Y-port on the suction tubing is what creates the suction. While suctioning would be difficult but possible, suctioning while advancing the tube would damage the tracheal mucosa and remove excessive amounts of oxygen, not carbon dioxide, from the respiratory tract. Suctioning during insertion of the catheter would not compromise sterility.