EAQ Respiratory System

After surgery, a client reports sudden severe chest pain and begins coughing. The nurse suspects the client has a thromboembolism. What characteristic of the sputum supports the nurse's suspicion that the client has a pulmonary embolus? 1 Pink 2 Clear 3 Green 4 Yellow

Correct = 1 Pink. With a pulmonary embolus, there is partial or complete occlusion of pulmonary blood flow; when infarcted areas or areas of atelectasis produce alveolar damage, red blood cells move into the alveoli, resulting in hemoptysis. Clear sputum is associated with a viral infection. Green and yellow sputum are associated with a bacterial infection.

Immediately after a storm has passed, the nurse is working with a rescue team that is searching for injured people. The nurse finds a victim lying next to a broken natural gas main. The victim is not breathing and is bleeding heavily from a wound on the foot. What should be the nurse's first intervention?

Correct4 Safely remove the victim from the immediate vicinity. The first action should be to safely remove the victim from the source of further injury. Treating the victim for shock is not the priority. Breathing is the priority once further injury is avoided. Applying surface pressure to the foot wound should be the last concern. The guidelines for CPR should be followed.

During admission a client appears anxious and says to the nurse, "The doctor told me I have lung cancer. My father died from cancer. I wish I had never smoked." What is the nurse's best response? 1 "You seem concerned about your diagnosis." 2 "You are feeling guilty about your smoking." 3 "There have been advances in lung cancer therapy." 4 "Trust your healthcare provider, who is very competent in treating cancer."

Correct = 1 "You seem concerned about your diagnosis." The correct response acknowledges the client's concerns and allows them to set the framework for discussion and express self-identified feelings. The client's statement is not specific enough to come to the conclusion that the client feels guilty; this is an assumption by the nurse. Talking about advances in lung cancer therapy or trust for the healthcare provider avoids the client's concerns and cuts off communication

A person's bathrobe ignites while the individual is cooking in the kitchen on a gas stove. What is the priority intervention after the flames are extinguished? 1 Assess the person's breathing. 2 Offer the person sips of water. 3 Cover the person with a warm blanket. 4 Calculate the extent of the person's burns.

Correct = 1 Assess the person's breathing. A patent airway is most vital; if the person is not breathing, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be initiated. The person should be kept nothing by mouth because extensive burns decrease intestinal peristalsis, and the person may vomit and aspirate. Covering the person with a warm blanket is not done until the assessment for breathing is completed. Calculating the extent of the person's burns is not the priority; this assessment is done after transfer to a medical facility. Test-Taking Tip: Look for options that are similar in nature. If all are correct, either the question is poor or all options are incorrect, the latter of which is more likely. Example: If the answer you are seeking is directed to a specific treatment and all options but one deal with signs and symptoms, you would be correct in choosing the treatment-specific option.

Which surgical procedure is appropriate for the removal of a vocal cord due to laryngeal cancer? 1 Cordectomy 2 Tracheotomy 3 Total laryngectomy 4 Oropharyngeal resections

Correct = 1 Cordectomy. A cordectomy is a surgical procedure performed in clients with laryngeal cancer; this surgery involves the removal of a vocal cord. A tracheotomy is a surgical incision in the trachea for the purpose of establishing an airway. A total laryngectomy is a surgical procedure in which the entire larynx, hyoid bone, strap muscles, and one or two tracheal rings are removed. A nodal neck dissection is also done in a total laryngectomy if the nodes are involved. An oropharyngeal resection is a surgical procedure performed to treat cancer of the oropharynx.

After a gastroscopy, how does the nurse assess the client for the return of the gag reflex? 1 Touching the pharynx with a tongue depressor 2 Giving a small amount of water using an oral syringe 3 Observing the client's swallowing ability 4 Instructing the client to breathe deeply and cough gently

Correct = 1 Touching the pharynx with a tongue depressor. Both sides of the posterior pharynx should be touched to elicit the gag reflex; absence of the reflex indicates that the client is at risk for aspiration of secretions or fluid. If the gag reflex is absent, the client may aspirate. The client is able to swallow regardless of the status of the gag reflex. The client might be able to breathe deeply and cough without an adequate gag reflex.

A client has a laryngectomy. The avoidance of which activity identified by the client indicates that the nurse's teaching about activities and the stoma is understood? 1 Water sports 2 Strenuous exercises 3 Sleeping with pillows 4 High-humidity environment

Correct = 1 Water sports. Water sports pose a severe threat; should water enter the stoma, the client will drown. Strenuous exercises are not harmful; as long as there is no obstruction, adequate oxygen will be available because the respiratory rate will increase. Pillows are not contraindicated, although care should be taken not to occlude the airway by any bedding while asleep. Humidity is desirable and helpful in keeping secretions liquefied.

Oxygen therapy is prescribed for a client being cared for in the coronary care unit. The nurse implements safety precautions. Which information should the nurse consider when planning care for this client? 1 Oxygen is flammable. 2 Oxygen supports combustion. 3 Oxygen has unstable properties. 4 Oxygen converts to an alternate form of matter.

Correct = 2 Oxygen supports combustion. Oxygen is necessary for the production of fire. Oxygen does not burn; it supports combustion. Flammability, unstable properties, and conversion to an alternate form of matter are irrelevant regarding the need for safety precautions.

During data collection, the nurse inspects the client's nose and concludes that the client has an infection. Which finding supports the nurse's conclusion? 1 Bloody discharge 2 Watery discharge 3 Thick mucosal discharge 4 Purulent and malodorous discharge

Correct = 3 Thick mucosal discharge. The presence of thick mucosal discharge could indicate an infection. The client may have bloody discharge due to trauma or dryness. Watery discharge could be secondary to allergies or from cerebrospinal fluid. Purulent and malodorous discharge could indicate the presence of a foreign body.

A client is experiencing severe respiratory distress. Which response should the nurse expect the client to exhibit? 1 Tremors 2 Anasarca 3 Bradypnea 4 Tachycardia

Correct = 4 Tachycardia. The heart rate increases in an attempt to compensate for the lack of oxygen to body cells. Tremors are not associated with respiratory distress; tremors are associated with neurologic problems. Severe generalized edema (anasarca) is not associated with respiratory distress; anasarca is associated with renal failure. An increased respiratory rate (tachypnea), not a decreased respiratory rate (bradypnea), is associated with respiratory distress. Test-Taking Tip: Answer the question that is asked. Read the situation and the question carefully, looking for key words or phrases. Do not read anything into the question or apply what you did in a similar situation during one of your clinical experiences. Think of each question as being an ideal, yet realistic, situation.

A client's respiratory status may be affected after abdominal surgery. The nurse documents the behavioral objective for this client. What statement is a behavioral objective?

Correct1 Demonstrates the technique of coughing and deep breathing Demonstrating the technique of coughing and deep breathing is an objective that includes observable client behavior, which is specified by amount and time and therefore is measurable. The statement that respirations will improve with coughing and deep breathing is an objective not stated in measurable terms. The statement that coughing and deep breathing will facilitate output of secretions is not stated in measurable terms. Telling the client to cough and deep breathe five or six times every hour while awake is a statement, not an objective.

The nurse is caring for a client two days after the client was admitted with burn injury. When performing the respiratory assessment, the nurse observes for sputum that is:

Correct1 Sooty The mucous membranes of the respiratory tract may be charred after inhalation burns; this is evidenced by the production of sooty sputum. Frothy sputum usually is indicative of pulmonary edema. Yellow sputum usually is indicative of a respiratory infection. Tenacious sputum usually is indicative of respiratory infection.

A client newly diagnosed with tuberculosis has a productive cough. Which is the most appropriate nursing intervention to teach the client? 1 Exercise daily 2 Use disposable tissues 3 Avoid foods high in sodium 4 Monitor blood pressure weekly

Correct = 2 Use disposable tissues Sputum can be contained within disposable paper tissues that can then be discarded in fluid-impervious bags. Because clients initially diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) typically are fatigued and nutritionally compromised, the best approach is to conserve energy and, as the client improves, gradually initiate an exercise program. Sodium restriction and weekly blood pressure monitoring are not necessary.

The nurse's physical assessment of a client with heart failure reveals tachypnea and bilateral crackles. What is the priority nursing intervention?

Correct3 Place client in a high-Fowler position Placing the client in a high-Fowler position promotes lung expansion and gas exchange; it also decreases venous return and cardiac workload. Initiating oxygen therapy may be done, but positioning should be done first because it will have an immediate effect. Time is needed to set up the system for the delivery of oxygen. Maintaining adequate oxygen exchange is the priority; an x-ray film can be obtained, but after breathing is supported. A friction rub is related to inflammation of the pleura, not to heart failure.

What breathing exercises should the nurse teach a client with the diagnosis of emphysema?

Correct4 Diaphragmatic exercises to improve contraction of the diaphragm. With emphysema the diaphragm is flattened and weakened; strengthening the diaphragm is desirable to maximize exhalation. Prolonged exhalations are more desirable; clients with emphysema have an increased residual volume, which eventually causes a barrel chest. Abdominal exercises enhance, not limit, the accessory muscles of respiration which are needed as a compensatory mechanism for clients with emphysema. Sit-ups are too strenuous for clients with emphysema.

What surgical procedure is shown in the following picture? 3203942980 1 A thoracentesis 2 A mediastinoscopy 3 A transbronchial biopsy 4 Computed tomography

Correct = 1 A thoracentesis. A thoracentesis is a diagnostic procedure used to obtain a specimen of pleural fluid for diagnosis, to remove pleural fluid, or to instill medication. A mediastinoscopy involves a scope inserted through a small incision in the suprasternal notch advanced into the mediastinum to inspect and biopsy lymph nodes. A transbronchial biopsy involves passing forceps through a bronchoscope to obtain a specimen that can be studied to differentiate between the infection and rejection in lung transplant recipients. Computed tomography is used to diagnose lesions that are difficult to assess via conventional X-ray studies.

Besides providing reassurance, what should nursing interventions for a client who is hyperventilating be focused on? 1 Administering oxygen 2 Using an incentive spirometer 3 Having the client breathe into a paper bag 4 Administering an IV containing bicarbonate ions

Correct = 3 Having the client breathe into a paper bag. Reassurance decreases anxiety and slows respirations; the bag is used so that exhaled carbon dioxide can be rebreathed to resolve respiratory alkalosis and return the client to an acid-base balance. Administering oxygen is not necessary because there is no evidence of hypoxia. Using an incentive spirometer is used to prevent atelectasis. The client is already alkalotic; bicarbonate ions will increase the problem.

The nurse is reviewing the client's health history. With which diagnosis is a client most likely to exhibit hemoptysis?

Correct3 Tuberculosis Hemoptysis is expectoration of blood-stained sputum derived from the lungs, bronchi, or trachea; this is a clinical manifestation of tissue erosion caused by tuberculosis. Anemia does not cause bleeding, but it may be caused by bleeding. Pneumonia causes sputum as a result of inflammation, but the sputum usually is yellow, not bloody. Leukocytosis is increased white blood cells; it does not cause hemoptysis.

A client comes to the clinic because of signs and symptoms of a respiratory infection. The client says to the nurse, "How can I prevent my roommate from getting my cold?" What is the nurse's best response? 1 "Cover your cough with your forearm." 2 "Dispose of used paper tissues in a paper bag." 3 "Encourage your roommate to get the flu vaccine." 4 "Move out of your apartment until you are over the cold."

Correct = 1 "Cover your cough with your forearm.". Covering the cough with your forearm limits the spread of respiratory droplets that may be inhaled by another. Used paper tissues should be disposed of in a bag impervious to fluids. Although encouraging the roommate to get the flu vaccine may be done, not all pathogenic microorganisms are viruses; many pathogens are bacteria. Moving out of the apartment until the client is over the cold is unrealistic; there are ways to limit the spread of microorganisms (e.g., washing the hands, covering coughing and sneezing, not sharing utensils).

A nurse is caring for a client with a nosebleed originating from the anterior aspect of the nose. Which nursing interventions would help the client? Select all that apply. 1 Positioning the client horizontally without a pillow 2 Applying direct lateral pressure to the nose for 10 minutes 3 Reducing anxiety and blood pressure by reassuring the client 4 Instructing the client to blow his or her nose to remove the blood 5 Loosely packing the client's nares with gauze or nasal tampons

Correct = 2, 3, & 5. Applying direct lateral pressure to the nose for 10 minutes may help to stop a nosebleed. Increases in anxiety and blood pressure may increase the bleeding. Therefore, the nurse should reassure the client. Packing the client's nares with gauze and nasal tampons may also help because tampons contain an agent that promotes blood clotting. Positioning the client horizontally may not stop the bleeding. Blowing the nose may dislodge the clots and prolong bleeding.

A nurse teaches a client with a diagnosis of emphysema about the importance of preventing infections. What information is most significant to include? ........... 1 Purpose of bronchodilators 2 Importance of meticulous oral hygiene 3 Technique used in pursed-lip breathing 4 Methods used to maintain a dust-free environment

Correct = 2. Importance of meticulous oral hygiene ----Microorganisms in the mouth are transferred easily to the tracheobronchial tree and are a source of potential infection; meticulous oral hygiene is essential to reduce the risk of respiratory infection. Bronchodilators will not prevent infection; they dilate the bronchi. Pursed-lip breathing will not prevent infection; it promotes gas exchange in the alveoli and facilitates more effective exhalation. It is impossible to maintain a dust-free environment. Test-Taking Tip: Attempt to select the answer that is most complete and includes the other answers within it. For example, a stem might read, "A child's intelligence is influenced by what?" and three options might be genetic inheritance, environmental factors, and past experiences. The fourth option might be multiple factors, which is a more inclusive choice and therefore the correct answer.

Which diagnostic test is being performed in this figure? Image 3203947232 1 Capnometry 2 Capnography 3 Pulse oximetry 4 Pulmonary function test

Correct = 3 Pulse oximetry. A pulse oximeter uses a wave of infrared light via a sensor placed on the client's finger, toe, nose, earlobe, or forehead to identify hemoglobin saturation with oxygen. In this figure, the instrument is attached to the client's finger. Capnometry and capnography are methods that measure the amount of carbon dioxide present in exhaled air, an indirect measurement of arterial carbon dioxide levels. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) assess lung function and breathing problems. In this procedure, the client is asked to breathe only through the mouth, and a nose clip may be used to prevent air from escaping through the nose.

The primary responsibility of a nurse when caring for a client with a chest tube attached to a three-chamber underwater-seal drainage system is to:

Correct1 Ensure maintenance of the closed system An airtight system is needed to reestablish negative pressure and reinflate the lung. Drainage can be maintained without mechanical suction. Encouraging coughing and deep breathing is important, but not the priority. Any position is acceptable as long as the tube is not compressed or pulled.

After a laryngectomy is scheduled, the most important factor for the nurse to include in the preoperative teaching plan is:

Correct1 Establishing a means for communicating postoperatively Communication is a priority; it facilitates interaction, limits anxiety, and promotes safety. A nasogastric tube can cause trauma to the suture lines; total parenteral nutrition may be used. Demonstrating how to care for a permanent laryngeal stoma is done postoperatively as the client begins to accept the laryngectomy. After a laryngectomy the client cannot cough; expectoration occurs through the stoma.

A client is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of emphysema and dyspnea. The nurse should encourage the client to assume what position?

Correct3 Orthopneic The orthopneic position lowers the diaphragm and provides for maximum thoracic expansion. The supine position will not facilitate thoracic expansion because it permits abdominal organs to press against the diaphragm. The contour position will not facilitate thoracic expansion because it permits abdominal organs to press against the diaphragm. Although the semi-Fowler position can help, it is not as beneficial as the orthopneic position.

A nurse is teaching Hands Only Basic Life Support for adults in the community. What should the rescuer do first after determining that the person is not responding and the emergency medical system has been activated?

Correct1 Identify the absence of pulse. Once it is verified that the person is unresponsive and the emergency medical system has been activated, then whether the client is breathing should be established. Rescue breaths are not given with the hands-only basic life support method of CPR. Chest compressions are initiated as soon as it is identified that the person is not breathing; they are given at a rate of 100/min, to a depth of 2 inches each for 2 minutes, allowing full recoil between compressions. This quickly circulates the blood.

A client is hospitalized with a diagnosis of emphysema. The nurse provides teaching and should begin with which aspect of care?

Correct1 The disease process and breathing exercises Clients need to understand the disease process and how interventions, such as breathing exercises, can improve ventilation. Learning to control or prevent respiratory infections is important, but it should be taught later. Although it is helpful to know about aerosol therapy and nebulizers, knowing how to use aerosol therapy, especially nebulizers, should be taught later. Although it is important to teach the client how to set priorities in carrying out everyday activities, this should be taught later.

A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) reports chest congestion, especially upon wakening in the morning. The nurse should suggest that the client:

Correct1 Use a humidifier in the bedroom A humidifier will help liquefy secretions and promote their expectoration. Sleeping on pillows facilitates breathing; it does not relieve chest congestion. Nonproductive coughing should be avoided because it is irritating and exhausting. Deep breathing and coughing at night will not help relieve early morning congestion.

A client is admitted for dehydration, and an intravenous (IV) infusion of normal saline is started at 125 mL/hour. One hour later, the client begins screaming, "I can't breathe!" How should the nurse respond?

Correct2 Elevate the head of the client's bed and obtain vital signs Verbalization indicates that the client is breathing; elevating the head of the bed facilitates breathing by decreasing pressure against the diaphragm. Vital signs reflect the current status of the client. Auscultation of breath sounds should be done also. Discontinuing the IV access line is unsafe and may cause unnecessary discomfort if it must be restarted; more information is needed before calling the health care provider. No information is available to support changing the IV to an intermittent lock; assessment for allergies should be done on admission. Not enough information is available to support requesting a prescription for a sedative; further assessment is required.

A client is admitted for a rhinoplasty. To monitor for hemorrhage after the surgery, the nurse should assess specifically for the presence of:

Correct2 Excessive swallowing Internal bleeding after nasal surgery may flow by gravity to the posterior oropharynx, where it is swallowed. Facial edema is expected after the trauma of surgery. The edema that results from the trauma of surgery may be perceived as pressure around the eye; although it is expected, it is not a priority. Pink-tinged drainage on the nasal packing and nasal drip dressing is expected for 24 to 48 hours after surgery.

A client has a persistent productive cough that becomes blood tinged. A needle biopsy is scheduled. The client tells the nurse, "During the procedure, a needle will be inserted into my back to collapse my lung." Which is the most appropriate response by the nurse?

Correct3 "Tell me more about the conversation you had with your health care provider." Exploration and collection of data are important parts of the therapeutic process; anxiety, fear, and depression can influence understanding. The response "Your perception of the diagnostic test is incorrect" will put the client on the defensive. Instructing the client to ask the health care provider to clarify the procedure is not the priority; at this point, the nurse should collect more data. The response "The procedure will be fast so that you will experience minimal discomfort" is false reassurance.

After surgery to create an ileal conduit, a client is admitted to the postanesthesia care unit. Which clinical finding during the first hour of the postoperative period should the nurse report to the health care provider?

Correct3 Absence of urinary output Urine should drain continually from the conduit because there is no sphincter control, unless a continent conduit is created. The stoma may be edematous for several weeks after surgery. Vomiting is a common occurrence after anesthesia. Diminished bowel sounds are expected; peristalsis is decreased because of anesthesia and the stress of intestinal manipulation during surgery.

A client has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To decrease the risk of CO2 intoxication (CO2 narcosis), the nurse should:

Correct3 Administer oxygen at a low concentration to maintain respiratory drive With chronically high levels of carbon dioxide it is believed that decreased oxygen levels become the stimulus to breathe; high oxygen administration negates this mechanism. However, the results of one recent study of clients with stable COPD indicate that the hypercarbic drive is preserved. More research is needed before this theory is applied clinically. Initiating pulmonary hygiene to clear air passages of trapped mucus is an appropriate intervention, but is not directly related to CO2 intoxication (CO2 narcosis). Encouraging continuous rapid panting to promote respiratory exchange will not bring oxygen into the alveoli for exchange nor will it adequately remove carbon dioxide because it will increase bronchiolar obstruction. Inhalation should be of regular depth, and expiration should be prolonged to prevent carbon dioxide trapping (air trapping).

Following a right pneumonectomy, a patient returns to the nursing unit. The priority nursing intervention is:

Correct3 Encourage deep breathing Encouraging deep breathing helps to keep the airway patent and prevents atelectasis of the remaining lung by raising intrapleural pressure. Although important, assessing for pain is not the priority. Removing the airway is done in the post anesthesia unit after the gag reflex returns. Placing the client on the left side will restrict left lung expansion.

The nurse is caring for a client that has a lesion in the right upper lobe. A diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) has been made. What are the clinical manifestations of tuberculosis?

Correct3 Night sweats and blood-tinged sputum Blood-tinged sputum, in the absence of pronounced coughing, often is the presenting sign of TB; diaphoresis at night is a later sign. Recurrent fever is present; frothy sputum occurs with pulmonary edema. A productive cough occurs with TB. A productive cough occurs with TB, but engorged neck veins occur with heart failure.

A client has a total hip replacement for long-standing degenerative bone disease of the hip. When assessing this client postoperatively, the nurse considers that the most common complication of hip surgery is:

Correct4 Pulmonary embolism A pulmonary embolism is the most common complication of hip surgery because of high vascularity and the release of fat cells from the bone marrow. The occurrence of pneumonia is rare because of early activity after surgery. In addition, the operative area is not in proximity to the diaphragm and lungs; therefore, it does not impede deep breathing. Postoperative hemorrhage with hip surgery is rare because bleeding at the operative site is not covert. The incidence of wound infection is no greater than with other postoperative clients.