Medsurg ch. 19, 20, 21, exam 2, Respiratory Function, Chapter 20: Assessment of Respiratory Function, Chapter 20 (Test 3), Chapter 10: Nursing Management: Patients With Chest and Lower Respiratory Tract Disorders, PrepU chapter 69, CH. 21: Caring for…

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

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

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

A)Increases the amount of mucus production

A patient presents to the ED experiencing symptoms of COPD exacerbation. The nurse understands there are goals of therapy that are achieved to improve the patient's condition. Which of the following are therapy goals? Select all that apply .a) Return the patient to his original functioning abilities. b) Treat the underlying cause of the event. c) Provide long-term support for medical management. d) Teach the patient to suspend activity. e) Provide medical support for the current exacerbation

A, B, C, E (Explanation:The goal is to have a stable patient with COPD leading the most productive life possible. COPD cannot necessarily be cured, but it can be managed so that the patient can live a reasonably normal life. With adequate management, patients should not have to give up their usual activities.)

Which would be least likely to contribute to a case of hospital-acquired pneumonia? Inoculum of organisms reaches the lower respiratory tract and overwhelms the host's defenses. A nurse washes her hands before beginning client care. Host defenses are impaired.A highly virulent organism is present.

A nurse washes her hands before beginning client care

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

A)"Lately, I have this cough that just never seems to go away.

A nurse is preparing to perform an admission assessment on a patient with COPD. It is most important for the nurse to review which of the following? A)Social work assessment B)Insurance coverage C)Chloride levels D)Available diagnostic tests

D)Available diagnostic tests

A physician orders a beta2 adrenergic-agonist agent (bronchodilator) that is short-acting and administered only by inhaler. What drug would the nurse know to administer to the client? Formoterol Ipratropium bromide Albuterol Isoproterenol

Albuterol

In which statements regarding medications taken by a client diagnosed with COPD do the drug name and the drug category correctly match? Select all that apply. Cotrimoxazole is a bronchodilator. Dexamethasone is an antibiotic. Albuterol is a bronchodilator. Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic. Prednisone is a corticosteroid.

Albuterol is a bronchodilator. Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic. Prednisone is a corticosteroid. Explanation :Theophylline, albuterol, and atropine are bronchodilators. Dexamethasone and prednisone are corticosteroids. Amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, and cotrimoxazole are antibiotics. All of these drugs could be prescribed to a client with COPD.

The critical care nurse and the other members of the care team are assessing the patient to see if he is ready to be weaned from the ventilator. What are the most important predictors of successful weaning that the nurse should identify? A) Stable vital signs and ABGs B) Pulse oximetry above 80% and stable vital signs C) Stable nutritional status and ABGs D) Normal orientation and level of consciousness

Ans: A Feedback: Among many other predictors, stable vital signs and ABGs are important predictors of successful weaning. Pulse oximetry must greatly exceed 80%. Nutritional status is important, but vital signs and ABGs are even more significant. Patients who are weaned may or may not have full level of consciousness.

Postural drainage has been ordered for a patient who is having difficulty mobilizing her bronchial secretions. Before repositioning the patient and beginning treatment, the nurse should perform what health assessment? A) Chest auscultation B) Pulmonary function testing C) Chest percussion D) Thoracic palpation

Ans: A Feedback: Chest auscultation should be performed before and after postural drainage in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy. Percussion and palpation are less likely to provide clinically meaningful data for the nurse. PFTs are normally beyond the scope of the nurse and are not necessary immediately before postural drainage.

. A patient is exhibiting signs of a pneumothorax following tracheostomy. The surgeon inserts a chest tube into the anterior chest wall. What should the nurse tell the family is the primary purpose of this chest tube? A) To remove air from the pleural space B) To drain copious sputum secretions C) To monitor bleeding around the lungs D) To assist with mechanical ventilation

Ans: A Feedback: Chest tubes and closed drainage systems are used to re-expand the lung involved and to remove excess air, fluid, and blood. The primary purpose of a chest tube is not to drain sputum secretions, monitor bleeding, or assist with mechanical ventilation.

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

Ans: A Feedback: Chronic pharyngitis is common in adults who live and work in dusty surroundings, use the voice to excess, suffer from chronic chough, and habitually use alcohol and tobacco. Caffeine and spicy foods have not been linked to chronic pharyngitis. GERD is not a noted risk factor.

The ED nurse is assessing a young gymnast who fell from a balance beam. The gymnast presents with a clear fluid leaking from her nose. What should the ED nurse suspect? A) Fracture of the cribriform plate B) Rupture of an ethmoid sinus C) Abrasion of the soft tissue D) Fracture of the nasal septum

Ans: A Feedback: Clear fluid from either nostril suggests a fracture of the cribriform plate with leakage of cerebrospinal fluid. The symptoms are not indicative of an abrasion of the soft tissue or rupture of a sinus. Clear fluid leakage from the nose would not be indicative of a fracture of the nasal septum.

The nurse is caring for a patient who needs education on his medication therapy for allergic rhinitis. The patient is to take cromolyn (Nasalcrom) daily. In providing education for this patient, how should the nurse describe the action of the medication? A) It inhibits the release of histamine and other chemicals. B) It inhibits the action of proton pumps. C) It inhibits the action of the sodium-potassium pump in the nasal epithelium. D) It causes bronchodilation and relaxes smooth muscle in the bronchi.

Ans: A Feedback: Cromolyn (Nasalcrom) inhibits the release of histamine and other chemicals. It is prescribed to treat allergic rhinitis. Beta-adrenergic agents lead to bronchodilation and stimulate beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the smooth muscle of the bronchi and bronchioles. It does not affect proton pump action or the sodium-potassium pump in the nasal cells.

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

Ans: A Feedback: Hoarseness is an early symptom of laryngeal cancer. Dyspnea, dysphagia, and lumps are later signs of laryngeal cancer. Alopecia is not associated with a diagnosis of laryngeal cancer.

A critical care nurse is caring for a client with an endotracheal tube who is on a ventilator. The nurse knows that meticulous airway management of this patient is necessary. What is the main rationale for this? A) Maintaining a patent airway B) Preventing the need for suctioning C) Maintaining the sterility of the patient's airway D) Increasing the patient's lung compliance

Ans: A Feedback: Maintaining a patent (open) airway is achieved through meticulous airway management, whether in an emergency situation such as airway obstruction or in long-term management, as in caring for a patient with an endotracheal or a tracheostomy tube. The other answers are incorrect.

The nurse is providing patient teaching to a patient diagnosed with acute rhinosinusitis. For what possible complication should the nurse teach the patient to seek immediate follow-up? A) Periorbital edema B) Headache unrelieved by OTC medications C) Clear drainage from nose D) Blood-tinged mucus when blowing the nose

Ans: A Feedback: Patient teaching is an important aspect of nursing care for the patient with acute rhinosinusitis. The nurse instructs the patient about symptoms of complications that require immediate follow-up. Referral to a physician is indicated if periorbital edema and severe pain on palpation occur. Clear drainage and blood-tinged mucus do not require follow-up if the patient has acute rhinosinusitis. A persistent headache does not necessarily warrant immediate follow-up.

A patient has had a nasogastric tube in place for 6 days due to the development of paralytic ileus after surgery. In light of the prolonged presence of the nasogastric tube, the nurse should prioritize assessments related to what complication? A) Sinus infections B) Esophageal strictures C) Pharyngitis D) Laryngitis

Ans: A Feedback: Patients with nasotracheal and nasogastric tubes in place are at risk for development of sinus infections. Thus, accurate assessment of patients with these tubes is critical. Use of a nasogastric tube is not associated with the development of the other listed pathologies.

The nurse has admitted a patient who is scheduled for a thoracic resection. The nurse is providing preoperative teaching and is discussing several diagnostic studies that will be required prior to surgery. Which study will be performed to determine whether the planned resection will leave sufficient functioning lung tissue? A) Pulmonary function studies B) Exercise tolerance tests C) Arterial blood gas values D) Chest x-ray

Ans: A Feedback: Pulmonary function studies are performed to determine whether the planned resection will leave sufficient functioning lung tissue. ABG values are assessed to provide a more complete picture of the functional capacity of the lung. Exercise tolerance tests are useful to determine if the patient who is a candidate for pneumonectomy can tolerate removal of one of the lungs. Preoperative studies, such as a chest x-ray, are performed to provide a baseline for comparison during the postoperative period and to detect any unsuspected abnormalities.

The OR nurse is setting up a water-seal chest drainage system for a patient who has just had a thoracotomy. The nurse knows that the amount of suction in the system is determined by the water level. At what suction level should the nurse set the system? A) 20 cm H2O B) 15 cm H2O C) 10 cm H2O D) 5 cm H2O

Ans: A Feedback: The amount of suction is determined by the water level. It is usually set at 20 cm H2O; adding more fluid results in more suction.

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

Ans: A Feedback: The nurse stresses the importance of humidification at home and instructs the family to obtain and set up a humidification system before the patient returns home. Air-conditioning may be too cool and too drying for the patient. A water purification system or a radiant heating system is not necessary.

The nurse is caring for a patient who is ready to be weaned from the ventilator. In preparing to assist in the collaborative process of weaning the patient from a ventilator, the nurse is aware that the weaning of the patient will progress in what order? A) Removal from the ventilator, tube, and then oxygen B) Removal from oxygen, ventilator, and then tube C) Removal of the tube, oxygen, and then ventilator D) Removal from oxygen, tube, and then ventilator

Ans: A Feedback: The process of withdrawing the patient from dependence on the ventilator takes place in three stages: the patient is gradually removed from the ventilator, then from the tube, and, finally, oxygen.

A patient has been discharged home after thoracic surgery. The home care nurse performs the initial visit and finds the patient discouraged and saddened. The client states, ìI am recovering so slowly. I really thought I would be better by now.î What nursing action should the nurse prioritize? A) Provide emotional support to the patient and family. B) Schedule a visit to the patient's primary physician within 24 hours. C) Notify the physician that the patient needs a referral to a psychiatrist. D) Place a referral for a social worker to visit the patient.

Ans: A Feedback: The recovery process may take longer than the patient had expected, and providing support to the patient is an important task for the home care nurse. It is not necessary, based on this scenario, to schedule a visit with the physician within 24 hours, or to get a referral to a psychiatrist or a social worker.

The nurse at a long-term care facility is assessing each of the residents. Which resident most likely faces the greatest risk for aspiration? A)A resident who suffered a severe stroke several weeks ago B)A resident with mid-stage Alzheimer's disease C)A 92-year-old resident who needs extensive help with ADLs D)A resident with severe and deforming rheumatoid arthritis

Ans: A resident who suffered a severe stroke several weeks ago Feedback:Aspiration may occur if the patient cannot adequately coordinate protective glottic, laryngeal, and cough reflexes. These reflexes are often affected by stroke.

A nurse educator is reviewing the indications for chest drainage systems with a group of medical nurses. What indications should the nurses identify? Select all that apply. A) Post thoracotomy B) Spontaneous pneumothorax C) Need for postural drainage D) Chest trauma resulting in pneumothorax E) Pleurisy

Ans: A, B, D Feedback: Chest drainage systems are used in treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax and trauma resulting in pneumothorax. Postural drainage and pleurisy are not criteria for use of a chest drainage system.

The nurse is caring for a patient with a severe nosebleed. The physician inserts a nasal sponge and tells the patient it may have to remain in place up to 6 days before it is removed. The nurse should identify that this patient is at increased risk for what? A) Viral sinusitis B) Toxic shock syndrome C) Pharyngitis D) Adenoiditis

Ans: B Feedback: A compressed nasal sponge may be used. Once the sponge becomes saturated with blood or is moistened with a small amount of saline, it will expand and produce tamponade to halt the bleeding. The packing may remain in place for 48 hours or up to 5 or 6 days if necessary to control bleeding. Antibiotics may be prescribed because of the risk of iatrogenic sinusitis and toxic shock syndrome.

The nurse is caring for a patient who is experiencing mild shortness of breath during the immediate postoperative period, with oxygen saturation readings between 89% and 91%. What method of oxygen delivery is most appropriate for the patient's needs? A) Non-rebreathing mask B) Nasal cannula C) Simple mask D) Partial-rebreathing mask

Ans: B Feedback: A nasal cannula is used when the patient requires a low to medium concentration of oxygen for which precise accuracy is not essential. The Venturi mask is used primarily for patients with COPD because it can accurately provide an appropriate level of supplemental oxygen, thus avoiding the risk of suppressing the hypoxic drive. The patient's respiratory status does not require a partial- or non-rebreathing mask.

. What would the critical care nurse recognize as a condition that may indicate a patient's need to have a tracheostomy? A) A patient has a respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute. B) A patient requires permanent ventilation. C) A patient exhibits symptoms of dyspnea. D) A patient has respiratory acidosis.

Ans: B Feedback: A tracheostomy permits long-term use of mechanical ventilation to prevent aspiration of oral and gastric secretions in the unconscious or paralyzed patient. Indications for a tracheostomy do not include a respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute, symptoms of dyspnea, or respiratory acidosis.

The nurse is performing the health interview of a patient with chronic rhinosinusitis who experiences frequent nose bleeds. The nurse asks the patient about her current medication regimen. Which medication would put the patient at a higher risk for recurrent epistaxis? A) Afrin B) Beconase C) Sinustop Pro D) Singulair

Ans: B Feedback: Beconase should be avoided in patients with recurrent epistaxis, glaucoma, and cataracts. Sinustop Pro and Afrin are pseudoephedrine and do not have a side effect of epistaxis. Singulair is a bronchodilator and does not have epistaxis as a side effect.

. The acute medical nurse is preparing to wean a patient from the ventilator. Which assessment parameter is most important for the nurse to assess? A) Fluid intake for the last 24 hours B) Baseline arterial blood gas (ABG) levels C) Prior outcomes of weaning D) Electrocardiogram (ECG) results

Ans: B Feedback: Before weaning a patient from mechanical ventilation, it is most important to have baseline ABG levels. During the weaning process, ABG levels will be checked to assess how the patient is tolerating the procedure. Other assessment parameters are relevant, but less critical. Measuring fluid volume intake and output is always important when a patient is being mechanically ventilated. Prior attempts at weaning and ECG results are documented on the patient's record, and the nurse can refer to them before the weaning process begins.

A patient states that her family has had several colds during this winter and spring despite their commitment to handwashing. The high communicability of the common cold is attributable to what factor? A) Cold viruses are increasingly resistant to common antibiotics. B) The virus is shed for 2 days prior to the emergence of symptoms. C) A genetic predisposition to viral rhinitis has recently been identified. D) Overuse of OTC cold remedies creates a ìreboundî susceptibility to future colds.

Ans: B Feedback: Colds are highly contagious because virus is shed for about 2 days before the symptoms appear and during the first part of the symptomatic phase. Antibiotic resistance is not relevant to viral illnesses and OTC medications do not have a ìreboundî effect. Genetic factors do not exist.

The nurse is caring for a client with an endotracheal tube who is on a ventilator. When assessing the client, the nurse knows to maintain what cuff pressure to maintain appropriate pressure on the tracheal wall? A) Between 10 and 15 mm Hg B) Between 15 and 20 mm Hg C) Between 20 and 25 mm Hg D) Between 25 and 30 mm Hg

Ans: B Feedback: Complications can occur from pressure exerted by the cuff on the tracheal wall. Cuff pressures should be maintained between 15 and 20 mm Hg.

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

Ans: B Feedback: Considering the known risk factors for cancer of the larynx, it is essential to assess the patient's history of alcohol intake. Infection is a risk in the postoperative period, but not an appropriate answer based on the patient's history. Depression and nonadherence are risks in the postoperative phase, but would not be critical short-term assessments.

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

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

The perioperative nurse has admitted a patient who has just underwent a tonsillectomy. The nurse's postoperative assessment should prioritize which of the following potential complications of this surgery? A) Difficulty ambulating B) Hemorrhage C) Infrequent swallowing D) Bradycardia

Ans: B Feedback: Hemorrhage is a potential complication of a tonsillectomy. Increased pulse, fever, and restlessness may indicate a postoperative hemorrhage. Difficulty ambulating and bradycardia are not common complications in a patient after a tonsillectomy. Infrequent swallowing does not indicate hemorrhage; frequent swallowing does.

A patient is being admitted to the preoperative holding area for a thoracotomy. Preoperative teaching includes what? A) Correct use of a ventilator B) Correct use of incentive spirometry C) Correct use of a mini-nebulizer D) Correct technique for rhythmic breathing

Ans: B Feedback: Instruction in the use of incentive spirometry begins before surgery to familiarize the patient with its correct use. You do not teach a patient the use of a ventilator; you explain that he may be on a ventilator to help him breathe. Rhythmic breathing and mini-nebulizers are unnecessary.

While caring for a patient with an endotracheal tube, the nurses recognizes that suctioning is required how often? A) Every 2 hours when the patient is awake B) When adventitious breath sounds are auscultated C) When there is a need to prevent the patient from coughing D) When the nurse needs to stimulate the cough reflex

Ans: B Feedback: It is usually necessary to suction the patient's secretions because of the decreased effectiveness of the cough mechanism. Tracheal suctioning is performed when adventitious breath sounds are detected or whenever secretions are present. Unnecessary suctioning, such as scheduling every 2 hours, can initiate bronchospasm and cause trauma to the tracheal mucosa.

The nurse is caring for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The patient has been receiving high-flow oxygen therapy for an extended time. What symptoms should the nurse anticipate if the patient were experiencing oxygen toxicity? A) Bradycardia and frontal headache B) Dyspnea and substernal pain C) Peripheral cyanosis and restlessness D) Hypotension and tachycardia

Ans: B Feedback: Oxygen toxicity can occur when patients receive too high a concentration of oxygen for an extended period. Symptoms of oxygen toxicity include dyspnea, substernal pain, restlessness, fatigue, and progressive respiratory difficulty. Bradycardia, frontal headache, cyanosis, hypotension, and tachycardia are not symptoms of oxygen toxicity.

The physician has ordered continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) with the delivery of a patient's high-flow oxygen therapy. The patient asks the nurse what the benefit of CPAP is. What would be the nurse's best response? A) CPAP allows a higher percentage of oxygen to be safely used. B) CPAP allows a lower percentage of oxygen to be used with a similar effect. C) CPAP allows for greater humidification of the oxygen that is administered. D) CPAP allows for the elimination of bacterial growth in oxygen delivery systems.

Ans: B Feedback: Prevention of oxygen toxicity is achieved by using oxygen only as prescribed. Often, positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) or CPAP is used with oxygen therapy to reverse or prevent microatelectasis, thus allowing a lower percentage of oxygen to be used. Oxygen is moistened by passing through a humidification system. Changing the tubing on the oxygen therapy equipment is the best technique for controlling bacterial growth.

. The nurse is caring for a patient who is scheduled to have a thoracotomy. When planning preoperative teaching, what information should the nurse communicate to the patient? A) How to milk the chest tubing B) How to splint the incision when coughing C) How to take prophylactic antibiotics correctly D) How to manage the need for fluid restriction

Ans: B Feedback: Prior to thoracotomy, the nurse educates the patient about how to splint the incision with the hands, a pillow, or a folded towel. The patient is not taught how to milk the chest tubing because this is performed by the nurse. Prophylactic antibiotics are not normally used and fluid restriction is not indicated following thoracotomy.

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

Ans: B Feedback: The nurse explains how to apply direct pressure to the nose with the thumb and the index finger for 15 minutes in case of a recurrent nosebleed. If recurrent bleeding cannot be stopped, the patient is instructed to seek additional medical attention. ASA is not contraindicated in most cases and the patient should avoiding blowing the nose for an extended period of time, not just 45 minutes.

The nurse has explained to the patient that after his thoracotomy, it will be important to adhere to a coughing schedule. The patient is concerned about being in too much pain to be able to cough. What would be an appropriate nursing intervention for this client? A) Teach him postural drainage. B) Teach him how to perform huffing. C) Teach him to use a mini-nebulizer. D) Teach him how to use a metered dose inhaler.

Ans: B Feedback: The technique of ìhuffingî may be helpful for the patient with diminished expiratory flow rates or for the patient who refuses to cough because of severe pain. Huffing is the expulsion of air through an open glottis. Inhalers, nebulizers, and postural drainage are not substitutes for performing coughing exercises.

The nurse is caring for a patient who has just been diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis. While being admitted to the clinic, the patient asks, ìWill this chronic infection hurt my new kidney?î What should the nurse know about chronic rhinosinusitis in patients who have had a transplant? A) The patient will have exaggerated symptoms of rhinosinusitis due to immunosuppression. B) Taking immunosuppressive drugs can contribute to chronic rhinosinusitis. C) Chronic rhinosinusitis can damage the transplanted organ. D) Immunosuppressive drugs can cause organ rejection.

Ans: B Feedback: URIs, specifically chronic rhinosinusitis and recurrent acute rhinosinusitis, may be linked to primary or secondary immune deficiency or treatment with immunosuppressive therapy (i.e., for cancer or organ transplantation). Typical symptoms may be blunted or absent due to immunosuppression. No evidence indicates damage to the transplanted organ due to chronic rhinosinusitis. Immunosuppressive drugs do not cause organ rejection.

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

Ans: B, C, E Feedback: The nurse also assesses the patient's general state of nutrition, including height and weight and body mass index, and reviews laboratory values that assist in determining the patient's nutritional status (albumin, protein, glucose, and electrolyte levels). The white blood cell count and the platelet count would not normally assist in determining the patient's nutritional status.

The nurse is preparing to suction a patient with an endotracheal tube. What should be the nurse's first step in the suctioning process? A) Explain the suctioning procedure to the patient and reposition the patient. B) Turn on suction source at a pressure not exceeding 120 mm Hg. C) Assess the patient's lung sounds and SAO2 via pulse oximeter. D) Perform hand hygiene and don nonsterile gloves, goggles, gown, and mask.

Ans: C Feedback: Assessment data indicate the need for suctioning and allow the nurse to monitor the effect of suction on the patient's level of oxygenation. Explaining the procedure would be the second step; performing hand hygiene is the third step, and turning on the suction source is the fourth step.

. While assessing the patient, the nurse observes constant bubbling in the water-seal chamber of the patient's closed chest-drainage system. What should the nurse conclude? A) The system is functioning normally. B) The patient has a pneumothorax. C) The system has an air leak. D) The chest tube is obstructed.

Ans: C Feedback: Constant bubbling in the chamber often indicates an air leak and requires immediate assessment and intervention. The patient with a pneumothorax will have intermittent bubbling in the water-seal chamber. If the tube is obstructed, the nurse should notice that the fluid has stopped fluctuating in the water-seal chamber.

. The critical care nurse is precepting a new nurse on the unit. Together they are caring for a patient who has a tracheostomy tube and is receiving mechanical ventilation. What action should the critical care nurse recommend when caring for the cuff? A) Deflate the cuff overnight to prevent tracheal tissue trauma. B) Inflate the cuff to the highest possible pressure in order to prevent aspiration. C) Monitor the pressure in the cuff at least every 8 hours D) Keep the tracheostomy tube plugged at all times.

Ans: C Feedback: Cuff pressure must be monitored by the respiratory therapist or nurse at least every 8 hours by attaching a handheld pressure gauge to the pilot balloon of the tube or by using the minimal leak volume or minimal occlusion volume technique. Plugging is only used when weaning the patient from tracheal support. Deflating the cuff overnight would be unsafe and inappropriate. High cuff pressure can cause tissue trauma.

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

Ans: C Feedback: Depending on the severity of the pharyngitis and the degree of pain, warm saline gargles or throat irrigations are used. The benefits of this treatment depend on the degree of heat that is applied. The nurse teaches about these procedures and about the recommended temperature of the solution: high enough to be effective and as warm as the patient can tolerate, usually 105∫F to 110∫F (40.6∫C to 43.3∫C). Irrigating the throat may reduce spasm in the pharyngeal muscles and relieve soreness of the throat. You would not tell the parent teacher organization that there is no real treatment of pharyngitis.

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

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

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

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

A patient in the ICU has had an endotracheal tube in place for 3 weeks. The physician has ordered that a tracheostomy tube be placed. The patient's family wants to know why the endotracheal tube cannot be left in place. What would be the nurse's best response? A) ìThe physician may feel that mechanical ventilation will have to be used long-term.î B) ìLong-term use of an endotracheal tube diminishes the normal breathing reflex.î C) ìWhen an endotracheal tube is left in too long it can damage the lining of the windpipe.î D) ìIt is much harder to breathe through an endotracheal tube than a tracheostomy.î

Ans: C Feedback: Endotracheal intubation may be used for no longer than 2 to 3 weeks, by which time a tracheostomy must be considered to decrease irritation of and, trauma to, the tracheal lining, to reduce the incidence of vocal cord paralysis (secondary to laryngeal nerve damage), and to decrease the work of breathing. The need for long-term ventilation would not be the primary rationale for this change in treatment. Endotracheal tubes do not diminish the breathing reflex.

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

Ans: C Feedback: Hereditary angioedema is an inherited condition that is characterized by episodes of life-threatening laryngeal edema. No information supports lost days of work or reduced cardiac function.

The nurse is performing nasotracheal suctioning on a medical patient and obtains copious amounts of secretions from the patient's airway, even after inserting and withdrawing the catheter several times. How should the nurse proceed? A) Continue suctioning the patient until no more secretions are obtained. B) Perform chest physiotherapy rather than nasotracheal suctioning. C) Wait several minutes and then repeat suctioning. D) Perform postural drainage and then repeat suctioning.

Ans: C Feedback: If additional suctioning is needed, the nurse should withdraw the catheter to the back of the pharynx, reassure the patient, and oxygenate for several minutes before resuming suctioning. Chest physiotherapy and postural drainage are not necessarily indicated.

The nurse is creating a plan of car for a patient diagnosed with acute laryngitis. What intervention should be included in the patient's plan of care? A) Place warm cloths on the patient's throat, as needed. B) Have the patient inhale warm steam three times daily. C) Encourage the patient to limit speech whenever possible. D) Limit the patient's fluid intake to 1.5 L/day.

Ans: C Feedback: Management of acute laryngitis includes resting the voice, avoiding irritants (including smoking), resting, and inhaling cool steam or an aerosol. Fluid intake should be increased. Warm cloths on the throat will not help relieve the symptoms of acute laryngitis.

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

Ans: C Feedback: Nursing care for patients with viral pharyngitis focuses on symptomatic management. Antibiotics are not prescribed for viral etiologies. Surgery is not indicated in the treatment of viral pharyngitis. Chronic hoarseness is not a common sequela of viral pharyngitis, so teaching ways to prevent it would be of no use in this instance.

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

Ans: C Feedback: Obstructive sleep apnea occurs in men, especially those who are older and overweight. Symptoms include excessive daytime sleepiness, insomnia, and snoring. Daytime sleepiness and difficulty going to sleep at night are not indications of tonsillitis or adenoiditis. This patient's symptoms are not suggestive of laryngeal cancer.

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

Ans: C Feedback: Patient education is essential when assisting the patient in the use of all medications. To prevent possible drug interactions, the patient is cautioned to read drug labels before taking any OTC medications. Some Web sites are reliable and valid information sources, but this is not always the case. Patients do not necessarily need to limit themselves to one pharmacy, though checking for potential interactions is important. Not all OTC medications are safe additions to prescription medication regimens.

The nurse is preparing to discharge a patient after thoracotomy. The patient is going home on oxygen therapy and requires wound care. As a result, he will receive home care nursing. What should the nurse include in discharge teaching for this patient? A) Safe technique for self-suctioning of secretions B) Technique for performing postural drainage C) Correct and safe use of oxygen therapy equipment D) How to provide safe and effective tracheostomy care

Ans: C Feedback: Respiratory care and other treatment modalities (oxygen, incentive spirometry, chest physiotherapy [CPT], and oral, inhaled, or IV medications) may be continued at home. Therefore, the nurse needs to instruct the patient and family in their correct and safe use. The scenario does not indicate the patient needs help with suctioning, postural drainage, or tracheostomy care.

A patient with a severe exacerbation of COPD requires reliable and precise oxygen delivery. Which mask will the nurse expect the physician to order? A) Non-rebreather air mask B) Tracheostomy collar C) Venturi mask D) Face tent

Ans: C Feedback: The Venturi mask provides the most accurate method of oxygen delivery. Other methods of oxygen delivery include the aerosol mask, tracheostomy collar, and face tents, but these do not match the precision of a Venturi mask.

A nurse has performed tracheal suctioning on a patient who experienced increasing dyspnea prior to a procedure. When applying the nursing process, how can the nurse best evaluate the outcomes of this intervention? A) Determine whether the patient can now perform forced expiratory technique (FET). B) Percuss the patient's lungs and thorax. C) Measure the patient's oxygen saturation. D) Have the patient perform incentive spirometry.

Ans: C Feedback: The patient's response to suctioning is usually determined by performing chest auscultation and by measuring the patient's oxygen saturation. FET, incentive spirometry, and percussion are not normally used as evaluative techniques.

The home care nurse is assessing a patient who requires home oxygen therapy. What criterion indicates that an oxygen concentrator will best meet the needs of the patient in the home environment? A) The patient desires a low-maintenance oxygen delivery system that delivers oxygen flow rates up to 6 L/min. B) The patient requires a high-flow system for use with a tracheostomy collar. C) The patient desires a portable oxygen delivery system that can deliver 2 L/min. D) The patient's respiratory status requires a system that provides an FiO2 of 65%.

Ans: C Feedback: The use of oxygen concentrators is another means of providing varying amounts of oxygen, especially in the home setting. They can deliver oxygen flows from 1 to 10 L/min and provide an FiO2 of about 40%. They require regular maintenance and are not used for high-flow applications. The patient desiring a portable oxygen delivery system of 2L/min will benefit from the use of an oxygen concentrator.

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

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

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

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

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

Ans: D Feedback: A cotton tampon may be used to try to stop the bleeding. The use of ice on the bridge of the nose has no scientific rationale for care. Laying the client down on the cot could block the client's airway. Hospital admission is necessary only if the bleeding becomes serious.

The home care nurse is planning to begin breathing retraining exercises with a client newly admitted to the home health service. The home care nurse knows that breathing retraining is especially indicated if the patient has what diagnosis? A) Asthma B) Pneumonia C) Lung cancer D) COPD

Ans: D Feedback: Breathing retraining is especially indicated in patients with COPD and dyspnea. Breathing retraining may be indicated in patients with other lung pathologies, but not to the extent indicated in patients with COPD.

. A nurse is educating a patient in anticipation of a procedure that will require a water-sealed chest drainage system. What should the nurse tell the patient and the family that this drainage system is used for? A) Maintaining positive chest-wall pressure B) Monitoring pleural fluid osmolarity C) Providing positive intrathoracic pressure D) Removing excess air and fluid

Ans: D Feedback: Chest tubes and closed drainage systems are used to re-expand the lung involved and to remove excess air, fluid, and blood. They are not used to maintain positive chest-wall pressure, monitor pleural fluid, or provide positive intrathoracic pressure.

The nurse is performing patient education for a patient who is being discharged on mini-nebulizer treatments. What information should the nurse prioritize in the patient's discharge teaching? A) How to count her respirations accurately B) How to collect serial sputum samples C) How to independently wean herself from treatment D) How to perform diaphragmatic breathing

Ans: D Feedback: Diaphragmatic breathing is a helpful technique to prepare for proper use of the small-volume nebulizer. Patient teaching would not include counting respirations and the patient should not wean herself from treatment without the involvement of her primary care provider. Serial sputum samples are not normally necessary.

The nurse is assessing a patient who has a chest tube in place for the treatment of a pneumothorax. The nurse observes that the water level in the water seal rises and falls in rhythm with the patient's respirations. How should the nurse best respond to this assessment finding? A) Gently reinsert the chest tube 1 to 2 cm and observe if the water level stabilizes. B) Inform the physician promptly that there is in imminent leak in the drainage system. C) Encourage the patient to do deep breathing and coughing exercises. D) Document that the chest drainage system is operating as it is intended.

Ans: D Feedback: Fluctuation of the water level in the water seal shows effective connection between the pleural cavity and the drainage chamber and indicates that the drainage system remains patent. No further action is needed.

A patient visiting the clinic is diagnosed with acute sinusitis. To promote sinus drainage, the nurse should instruct the patient to perform which of the following? A) Apply a cold pack to the affected area. B) Apply a mustard poultice to the forehead. C) Perform postural drainage. D) Increase fluid intake.

Ans: D Feedback: For a patient diagnosed with acute sinusitis, the nurse should instruct the patient that hot packs, increasing fluid intake, and elevating the head of the bed can promote drainage. Applying a mustard poultice will not promote sinus drainage. Postural drainage is used to remove bronchial secretions.

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

Ans: D Feedback: Handwashing remains the most effective preventive measure to reduce the transmission of organisms. Taking prescribed antibiotics, using warm salt-water gargles, and dressing warmly do not suppress transmission. Antibiotics are not prescribed for a cold.

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

Ans: D Feedback: If pressure to the midline septum does not stop the bleeding for epistaxis, additional treatment of silver nitrate application, Gelfoam, electrocautery, or vasoconstrictors may be used. Suction may be used to visualize the nasal septum, but it does not alleviate the bleeding. Irrigation with a hypertonic solution is not used to treat epistaxis.

A patient recovering from thoracic surgery is on long-term mechanical ventilation and becomes very frustrated when he tries to communicate. What intervention should the nurse perform to assist the patient? A) Assure the patient that everything will be all right and that remaining calm is the best strategy. B) Ask a family member to interpret what the patient is trying to communicate. C) Ask the physician to wean the patient off the mechanical ventilator to allow the patient to speak freely. D) Express empathy and then encourage the patient to write, use a picture board, or spell words with an alphabet board.

Ans: D Feedback: If the patient uses an alternative method of communication, he will feel in better control and likely be less frustrated. Assuring the patient that everything will be all right offers false reassurance, and telling him not to be upset minimizes his feelings. Neither of these methods helps the patient to communicate. In a patient with an endotracheal or tracheostomy tube, the family members are also likely to encounter difficulty interpreting the patient's wishes. Making them responsible for interpreting the patient's gestures may frustrate the family. The patient may be weaned off a mechanical ventilator only when the physiologic parameters for weaning have been met.

A 42-year-old patient is admitted to the ED after an assault. The patient received blunt trauma to the face and has a suspected nasal fracture. Which of the following interventions should the nurse perform? A) Administer nasal spray and apply an occlusive dressing to the patient's face. B) Position the patient's head in a dependent position. C) Irrigate the patient's nose with warm tap water. D) Apply ice and keep the patient's head elevated.

Ans: D Feedback: Immediately after the fracture, the nurse applies ice and encourages the patient to keep the head elevated. The nurse instructs the patient to apply ice packs to the nose to decrease swelling. Dependent positioning would exacerbate bleeding and the nose is not irrigated. Occlusive dressings are not used.

. A patient's plan of care specifies postural drainage. What action should the nurse perform when providing this noninvasive therapy? A) Administer the treatment with the patient in a high Fowler's or semi-Fowler's position. B) Perform the procedure immediately following the patient's meals. C) Apply percussion firmly to bare skin to facilitate drainage. D) Assist the patient into a position that will allow gravity to move secretions.

Ans: D Feedback: Postural drainage is usually performed two to four times per day. The patient uses gravity to facilitate postural draining. The skin should be covered with a cloth or a towel during percussion to protect the skin. Postural drainage is not administered in an upright position or directly following a meal.

. The medical nurse is creating the care plan of an adult patient requiring mechanical ventilation. What nursing action is most appropriate? A) Keep the patient in a low Fowler's position. B) Perform tracheostomy care at least once per day. C) Maintain continuous bedrest. D) Monitor cuff pressure every 8 hours.

Ans: D Feedback: The cuff pressure should be monitored every 8 hours. It is important to perform tracheostomy care at least every 8 hours because of the risk of infection. The patient should be encouraged to ambulate, if possible, and a low Fowler's position is not indicated.

The home care nurse is visiting a patient newly discharged home after a lobectomy. What would be most important for the home care nurse to assess? A) Resumption of the patient's ADLs B) The family's willingness to care for the patient C) Nutritional status and fluid balance D) Signs and symptoms of respiratory complications

Ans: D Feedback: The nurse assesses the patient's adherence to the postoperative treatment plan and identifies acute or late postoperative complications. All options presented need assessment, but respiratory complications are the highest priority because they affect the patient's airway and breathing.

The nurse is discussing activity management with a patient who is postoperative following thoracotomy. What instructions should the nurse give to the patient regarding activity immediately following discharge? A) Walk 1 mile 3 to 4 times a week. B) Use weights daily to increase arm strength. C) Walk on a treadmill 30 minutes daily. D) Perform shoulder exercises five times daily.

Ans: D Feedback: The nurse emphasizes the importance of progressively increased activity. The nurse also instructs the patient on the importance of performing shoulder exercises five times daily. The patient should ambulate with limits and realize that the return of strength will likely be gradual and likely will not include weight lifting or lengthy walks.

As a clinic nurse, you are caring for a patient who has been prescribed an antibiotic for tonsillitis and has been instructed to take the antibiotic for 10 days. When you do a follow-up call with this patient, you are informed that the patient is feeling better and is stopping the medication after taking it for 4 days. What information should you provide to this patient? A) Keep the remaining tablets for an infection at a later time. B) Discontinue the medications if the fever is gone. C) Dispose of the remaining medication in a biohazard receptacle. D) Finish all the antibiotics to eliminate the organism completely.

Ans: D Feedback: The nurse informs the patient about the need to take the full course of any prescribed antibiotic. Antibiotics should be taken for the entire 10-day period to eliminate the microorganisms. A patient should never be instructed to keep leftover antibiotics for use at a later time. Even if the fever or other symptoms are gone, the medications should be continued. Antibiotics do not need to be disposed of in a biohazard receptacle, though they should be discarded appropriately.

The decision has been made to discharge a ventilator-dependent patient home. The nurse is developing a teaching plan for this patient and his family. What would be most important to include in this teaching plan? A) Administration of inhaled corticosteroids B) Assessment of neurologic status C) Turning and coughing D) Signs of pulmonary infection

Ans: D Feedback: The nurse teaches the patient and family about the ventilator, suctioning, tracheostomy care, signs of pulmonary infection, cuff inflation and deflation, and assessment of vital signs. Neurologic assessment and turning and coughing are less important than signs and symptoms of infection. Inhaled corticosteroids may or may not be prescribed.

A nurse is teaching a patient how to perform flow type incentive spirometry prior to his scheduled thoracic surgery. What instruction should the nurse provide to the patient? A) ìHold the spirometer at your lips and breathe in and out like you normally would.î B) ìWhen you're ready, blow hard into the spirometer for as long as you can.î C) ìTake a deep breath and then blow short, forceful breaths into the spirometer.î D) ìBreathe in deeply through the spirometer, hold your breath briefly, and then exhale.î

Ans: D Feedback: The patient should be taught to lace the mouthpiece of the spirometer firmly in the mouth, breathe air in through the mouth, and hold the breath at the end of inspiration for about 3 seconds. The patient should then exhale slowly through the mouthpiece.

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

Ans: D Feedback: The use of topical decongestants is controversial because of the potential for a rebound effect. The patient should hold his or her head back for maximal distribution of the spray. Only the patient should use the bottle.

. The nurse caring for a patient with an endotracheal tube recognizes several disadvantages of an endotracheal tube. What would the nurse recognize as a disadvantage of endotracheal tubes? A) Cognition is decreased. B) Daily arterial blood gases (ABGs) are necessary. C) Slight tracheal bleeding is anticipated. D) The cough reflex is depressed.

Ans: D Feedback: There are several disadvantages of an endotracheal tube. Disadvantages include suppression of the patient's cough reflex, thickening of secretions, and depressed swallowing reflexes. Ulceration and stricture of the larynx or trachea may develop, but bleeding is not an expected finding. The tube should not influence cognition and daily ABGs are not always required.

A patient is receiving thrombolytic therapy for the treatment of pulmonary emboli. What is the best way for the nurse to assess the patient's oxygenation status at the bedside? A)Obtain serial ABG samples. B)Monitor pulse oximetry readings. C)Test pulmonary function. D)Monitor incentive spirometry volumes

Ans: Monitor pulse oximetry readings.Feedback: The nurse assesses the patient with pulmonary emboli frequently for signs of hypoxemia and monitors the pulse oximetry values to evaluate the effectiveness of the oxygen therapy.

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

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

The nurse caring for a patient recently diagnosed with lung disease encourages the patient not to smoke. What is the primary rationale behind this nursing action? A)Smoking decreases the amount of mucus production. B)Smoke particles compete for binding sites on hemoglobin. C)Smoking causes atrophy of the alveoli. D)Smoking damages the ciliary cleansing mechanism.

Ans: Smoking damages the ciliary cleansing mechanism. Feedback:In addition to irritating the mucous cells of the bronchi and inhibiting the function of alveolar macrophage (scavenger) cells, smoking damages the ciliary cleansing mechanism of the respiratory tract. Smoking also increases the amount of mucus production and distends the alveoli in the lungs. It reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of hemoglobin, but not by directly competing for binding sites

A client had a bronchoscopy 2 hours ago and is requesting water to drink. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

Assess the client's gag-reflex before giving anything

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

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

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

B)Chronic inhalation of indoor toxins can cause lung damage

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

D)Setting realistic short-term and long-range goals

A critical-care nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with pneumonia as a surgical complication. The nurse's assessment reveals that the client has an increased work of breathing due to copious tracheobronchial secretions. What should the nurse encourage the client to do? Call the nurse for oral suctioning, as needed. Increase activity.Lie in a low Fowler or supine position. Increase oral fluids unless contraindicated.

Increase oral fluids unless contraindicated .Explanation:The nurse should encourage hydration because adequate hydration thins and loosens pulmonary secretions. Oral suctioning is not sufficiently deep to remove tracheobronchial secretions. The client should have the head of the bed raised, and rest should be promoted to avoid exacerbation of symptom

A client with end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) requires bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP). While caring for the client, the nurse determines that bilateral wrist restraints are required to prevent compromised care. Which client care outcome is associated with restraint use in the client who requires BiPAP?

The client will maintain adequate oxygenation.

A client is receiving supplemental oxygen. When determining the effectiveness of oxygen therapy, which arterial blood gas value is most important

Partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2)

A physician stated to the nurse that the patient has fluid noted in the pleural space and will need a thoracentesis. The nurse would expect that the physician will document this fluid as which of the following?

Pleural effusion

When caring for a client with acute respiratory failure, the nurse should expect to focus on resolving which set of problems?

The cardinal physiologic abnormalities of acute respiratory failure are hypercapnia, hypoventilation, and hypoxemia. The nurse should focus on resolving these problems

A 70-year-old man who worked in a foundry for many years as a young adult sought care with complaints of progressive dyspnea, weight loss, and dry cough. Following an extensive diagnostic workup, the patient was diagnosed with silicosis. This patient's signs and symptoms are the result of what pathophysiological process?

The formation of nodular lesions and eventual masses in the lungs. in silicosis, the inhaled silica particles form nodular lesions throughout the lungs. With the passage of time and further exposure, the nodules enlarge and coalesce

You are teaching a physiology class for prenursing students. A student asks what the purpose of the upper airway is in regard to the lower airway. What would be your best answer?

To warm the inspired air. The upper tract, known as the upper airway, warms and filters inspired air so that the lower respiratory tract (the lungs) can accomplish gas exchange

You are caring for a 65-year-old client who has been newly diagnosed with emphysema. The client is confused by the new terms and wants to know what ventilation means. Which of the following can instruct this client?

Ventilation is breathing air in and out of the lungs.

A client at risk for pneumonia has been ordered an influenza vaccine. Which statement from the nurse best explains the rationale for this vaccine? "Getting the flu can complicate pneumonia."" Influenza vaccine will prevent typical pneumonias."" Influenza is the major cause of death in the United States." "Viruses like influenza are the most common cause of pneumonia."

Viruses like influenza are the most common cause of pneumonia."

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

barrel chest

The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving oxygen therapy for pneumonia. The nurse should best assess whether the client is hypoxemic by monitoring the client's: level of consciousness (LOC).hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cell levels. oxygen saturation level. extremities for signs of cyanosis.

oxygen saturation level