respiratory prep-u
The nurse is caring for a client who has recurrent sinusitis. Which consideration could the nurse suggest to best decrease the frequency of infections?
Administer an over-the-counter decongestant.
A client comes into the Emergency Department with epistaxis. What intervention should you perform when caring for a client with epistaxis?
Apply direct continuous pressure.
The nurse is caring for a client in the ICU who is receiving mechanical ventilation. Which nursing measure is implemented in an effort to reduce the client's risk of developing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)?
Cleaning the client's mouth with chlorhexidine daily
The nurse is caring for a patient with a pulmonary disorder. What observation by the nurse is indicative of a very late symptom of hypoxia?
Cyanosis Cyanosis, a bluish coloring of the skin, is a very late indicator of hypoxia. The presence or absence of cyanosis is determined by the amount of unoxygenated hemoglobin in the blood. Cyanosis appears when there is at least 5 g/dL of unoxygenated hemoglobin.
Which of the following are age-related structural and functional changes that occur in the respiratory system? Select all that apply.
Decreased elasticity of the alveolar sacs Increased residual volume Increased diameter of alveolar ducts Increased thickness of alveolar sacs
Which of the following is the key underlying feature of asthma?
Inflammation Inflammation is the key underlying feature and leads to recurrent episodes of asthma symptoms: cough, chest tightness, wheeze, and dyspnea.
The nurse is caring for a client in the immediate post-thoracentesis period. In which position is the client placed?
Lying on the unaffected side
The nurse is instructing the patient with asthma in the use of a newly prescribed leukotriene receptor antagonist. What should the nurse be sure to include in the education?
The patient should take the medication an hour before meals or 2 hours after a meal.
A first-line antibiotic used to treat acute rhinosinusitis is
ampicillin. First-line antibiotics include amoxicillin, ampicillin, and erythromycin. Second-line therapy includes cefuroxime, cefprozil, and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid.
As part of a primary cancer prevention program, an oncology nurse answers questions from the public at a health fair. When someone asks about laryngeal cancer, the nurse should explain that:
laryngeal cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer.
Signs and symptoms of Respiratory Acidosis
CNS depression (decreased LOC) Muscle twitching which can progress to convulsions Dysrhythmias, tachycardia, diaphoresis (related to hypoxia secondary to hypoventilation Palpitations Flushed skin Serum electrolyte abnormalities including elevated K+ (potassium leaves the cell to replace the H+ buffers leaving the cell)
A patient is seen in the emergency room for a severe case of diabetic acidosis. The respiratory note indicates the presence of Kussmaul's respirations. The nurse knows that this diagnosis is associated with which of the following?
Hyperventilation
A physician orders metaproterenol (Alupent) by metered-dose inhalation four times daily for a client with acute bronchitis. Which statement by the client indicates effective teaching about this medication?
I need to hold my breath as long as possible after I take a deep inhalation."
A nurse notes that the FEV1/FVC ratio is less than 70% and the FEV1 is 65% for a patient with COPD. What stage should the nurse document the patient is in?
II All grades of COPD are associated with an FEV1/FVC ratio of less than 70%. Grade I (mild) is associated with an FEV1 of greater than or equal to 80%. Grade II (moderate) is associated with an FEV1 of 50%-80%. Grade III is associated with an FEV1 of <30%-50%. Grade IV is associated with an FEV1 of <30%.
A client arrived in the emergency department with a sharp object penetrating the diaphragm. When planning nursing care, which nursing diagnosis would the nurse identify as a priority?
Impaired Gas Exchange
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is diagnosed by clinical signs and symptoms in addition to which test
Sweat chloride concentration
Which homeostatic mechanism would the body of a critically ill client use to maintain normal pH?
The lungs eliminate carbonic acid by blowing off more CO2.
A nurse is teaching a client about using an incentive spirometer. Which statement by the nurse is correct?
Before you do the exercise, I'll give you pain medication if you need it."
After a tonsillectomy, a client is being prepared for discharge. The nurse should instruct the client to report which sign or symptom immediately?
Bleeding
Which drug is second-line pharmacotherapy for smoking abstinence?
Clonidine Second-line pharmacotherapy includes the antihypertensive agent clonidine. However, its use is limited by its side effects. First-line therapy includes nicotine gum, nortriptyline, and buproprion SR.
The nurse auscultates crackles in a patient with a respiratory disorder. With what disorder would crackles be commonly heard?
Collapsed alveoli Crackles are secondary to fluid in the airways or alveoli or to delayed opening of collapsed alveoli. Sibilant wheezes are associated with asthma and bronchospasm. Fine crackles are associated with pulmonary fibrosis.
The nurse is assessing a patient in respiratory failure. What finding is a late indicator of hypoxia?
Cyanosis Cyanosis, a bluish coloring of the skin, is a very late indicator of hypoxia. The presence or absence of cyanosis is determined by the amount of unoxygenated hemoglobin in the blood. Cyanosis appears when there is at least 5 g/dL of unoxygenated hemoglobin.
The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with rhinosinusitis. The physician has ordered the client to receive four sprays of budesonide (Rhinocort) in each nostril every morning. The nurse informs the client that a common side effect of this medication is
Epistaxis
A patient with sinus congestion points to a location on the inside of his eye as the area of pain. The nurse documents that the patient is complaining of pain in which sinus?
Ethmoid
The nurse has instructed the client to use a peak flow meter. The nurse evaluates client learning as satisfactory when the client
Exhales hard and fast with a single blow
A 76-year-old client presents to the ED reporting "laryngitis." The triage nurse should ask whether the client has a medical history that includes
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
A patient comes to the clinic with complaints of a sore throat and is diagnosed with acute pharyngitis. What does the nurse understand is the cause of acute pharyngitis?
Group A, beta-hemolytic streptococci
For which reason does gas exchange decrease in older adults?
The alveolar walls contain fewer capillaries.
The classification of Stage IV of COPD is defined as
very severe COPD. Stage IV is very severe COPD. Stage 0 is at risk for COPD. Stage I is mild COPD. Stage II is moderate COPD. Stage III is severe COPD.
A client with a respiratory condition is receiving oxygen therapy. While assessing the client's PaO2, the nurse knows that the therapy has been effective based on which of the following readings?
84 mm Hg In general, clients with respiratory conditions are given oxygen therapy only to increase the arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2) back to the client's normal baseline, which may vary from 60 to 95 mm Hg.
A patient has been diagnosed with acute rhinosinusitis caused by a bacterial organism. What antibiotic of choice for treatment of this disorder does the nurse anticipate educating the patient about?
Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (Augmentin)
Which is a potential complication of a low pressure in the endotracheal tube cuff?
Aspiration pneumonia Low pressure in the cuff can increase the risk for aspiration pneumonia. High pressure in the cuff can cause tracheal bleeding, ischemia, and pressure necrosis.
The physician orders a beta-2 adrenergic agonist agent (bronchodilator) that is short-acting and administered only by inhaler. What medication does the nurse anticipate will be administered?
Brethine
In which grade of COPD is the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) greater than 80% predicted?
COPD is classified into four grades depending on the severity measured by pulmonary function tests. However, pulmonary function is not the only way to assess or classify COPD; pulmonary function is evaluated in conjunction with symptoms, health status impairment, and the potential for exacerbations. Grade I (mild): FEV1/FVC <70% and FEV1 ≥80% predicted. Grade II (moderate): FEV1/FVC <70% and FEV1 50% to 80% predicted. Grade III (severe): FEV1/FVC <70% and FEV1 <30% to 50% predicted. Grade IV (very severe): FEV1/FVC <70% and FEV1 <30% predicted.
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) reports increased shortness of breath and fatigue for 1 hour after awakening in the morning. Which of the following statements by the nurse would best help with the client's shortness of breath and fatigue
Delay self-care activities for 1 hour."
A nurse is caring for a client admitted with an exacerbation of asthma. The nurse knows the client's condition is worsening when he:
uses the sternocleidomastoid muscles. Use of accessory muscles indicates worsening breathing conditions. Assuming the tripod position, a 93% pulse oximetry reading, and a request for the nurse to raise the head of the bed don't indicate that the client's condition is worsening.
The nurse at the beginning of the evening shift receives a report at 1900 on the following patients. Which patient would the nurse assess first?
An 86 year old with COPD who arrived on the floor 30 minutes ago and is a direct admit from the doctor's office
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted to an acute care facility because of an acute respiratory infection. When assessing the client's respiratory status, which finding should the nurse anticipate?
An inspiratory-expiratory (I:E) ratio of 2:1 The normal I:E ratio is 1:2, meaning that expiration takes twice as long as inspiration. A ratio of 2:1 is seen in clients with COPD because inspiration is shorter than expiration. A client with COPD typically has a barrel chest in which the anteroposterior diameter is larger than the transverse chest diameter. A client with COPD usually has a respiratory rate greater than 12 breaths/minute and an oxygen saturation rate below 93%.
The nurse assesses a patient with a heart rate of 42 and a blood pressure of 70/46. What type of hypoxia does the nurse determine this patient is displaying?
Circulatory hypoxia
When the nurse is assessing the older adult patient, what gerontologic changes in the respiratory system should the nurse be aware of? (Select all that apply.)
Decreased gag reflex Increased presence of collagen in alveolar walls Decreased presence of mu
The nurse is caring for a client who had a recent laryngectomy. Which of the following is reflected in the nursing plan of care?
Develop an alternate method of communication. The client with a total laryngectomy is not able to speak. Communication needs to be established using an alternate method. The client typically has difficulty with swallowing due to edema in the immediate postoperative period. Alternate forms of nutrition are used. The tracheostomy cuff is often deflated for periods of time. The head of the bed is maintained in a semi-Fowler's position to decrease edema.
A client arrives at the physician's office stating dyspnea; a productive cough for thick, green sputum; respirations of 28 breaths/minute, and a temperature of 102.8° F. The nurse auscultates the lung fields, which reveal poor air exchange in the right middle lobe. The nurse suspects a right middle lobe pneumonia. To be consistent with this anticipated diagnosis, which sound, heard over the chest wall when percussing, is anticipated?
Dull
Late symptoms of laryngeal cancer include which of the following. Select all that apply.
Dysphagia Dyspnea Persistent hoarseness.
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is intubated and placed on continuous mechanical ventilation. Which equipment is most important for the nurse to keep at this client's bedside?
Manual resuscitation bag
Which oxygen administration device has the advantage of providing a high oxygen concentration?
Nonrebreathing mask
A client presents to the ED with a suspected allergic reaction. The client is experiencing laryngeal edema, which is causing obstruction, and is demonstrating retractions in the neck during inspiration. Which is the nurse's priority intervention?
Prepare to administer subcutaneous epinephrine and corticosteroids.
Which diagnostic test is most accurate in assessing acute airway obstruction?
Pulmonary function studies
A client is visiting the emergency department because of massive bleeding from the nose that will not stop. Blood is on the client's shirt, and bleeding from the nose continues. The nurse intervenes by
Telling the client to sit upright with the head tilted forward Hemorrhage or massive bleeding from the nose is called epistaxis. Initial interventions include having the client sit upright with the head tilted forward to prevent swallowing and aspiration of blood. Tilting the head back will encourage the client to swallow and possibly aspirate blood. Pressure is applied to the soft outer portion of the nose against the midline septum, not the upper and hard portion of the nose. Pressure is also applied continuously for 5 to 10 minutes.
In relation to the structure of the larynx, which describes the cricoid cartilage?
The only complete cartilaginous ring in the larynx
Pink, frothy sputum may be an indication of
pulmonary edema.
A client with chronic bronchitis is admitted to the health facility. Auscultation of the lungs reveals low-pitched, rumbling sounds. Which of the following describes these sounds?
Rhonchi Rhonchi are deep, low-pitched, rumbling sounds heard usually on expiration. The etiology of rhonchi is associated with chronic bronchitis.
A nurse is caring for a client who is at high risk for developing pneumonia. Which intervention should the nurse include on the client's care plan?
Using strict hand hygiene
The nurse is teaching a postoperative client who had a coronary artery bypass graft about using the
Sit in an upright position. Place the mouthpiece of the spirometer in the mouth. Breathe air in through the mouth. Hold breath for about 3 seconds. Exhale air slowly through the mouth.
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) expresses a desire to quit smoking. The first appropriate response from the nurse is:
"Have you tried to quit smoking before?" All the options are appropriate statements; however, the nurse needs to assess the client's statement further. Assessment data include information about previous attempts to quit smoking.
Which range of water pressure within the endotracheal tube cuff is believed to prevent both injury and aspiration?
15 to 20 mm Hg Usually the pressure is maintained at <25 mmHG water pressure to prevent injury and at >20 mm HG water pressure to prevent aspiration. High cuff pressure can cause tracheal bleeding, ischemia, and pressure necrosis, whereas low cuff pressure can increase the risk of aspiration pneumonia. A water pressure of 0-5 or 10-15 mm Hg would indicate that the cuff is underinflated. A water pressure of 30-35 mm Hg would indicate that the cuff is overinflated.
A nurse would question the accuracy of a pulse oximetry evaluation in which of the following conditions?
A client experiencing hypothermia Pulse oximetry is a noninvasive method of continuously monitoring the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin. The reading is referred to as SpO2. A probe or sensor is attached to the fingertip, forehead, earlobe, or bridge of the nose. Values less than 85% indicate that the tissues are not receiving enough oxygen. SpO2 values obtained by pulse oximetry are unreliable in states of low perfusion such as hypothermia.
Which of the following is a leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation?
Bronchitis
A patient comes to the clinic and is diagnosed with tonsillitis and adenoiditis. What bacterial pathogen does the nurse know is commonly associated with tonsillitis and adenoiditis?
Group A, beta-hemolytic streptococcus
A client has a sucking stab wound to the chest. Which action should the nurse take first?
Apply a dressing over the wound and tape it on three sides. he nurse should immediately apply a dressing over the stab wound and tape it on three sides to allow air to escape and to prevent tension pneumothorax (which is more life-threatening than an open chest wound). Only after covering and taping the wound should the nurse draw blood for laboratory tests, assist with chest tube insertion, and start an I.V. line.
The nurse assessed a 28-year-old woman who was experiencing dyspnea severe enough to make her seek medical attention. The history revealed no prior cardiac problems and the presence of symptoms for 6 months' duration. On assessment, the nurse noted the presence of both inspiratory and expiratory wheezing. Based on this data, which of the following diagnoses is likely?
Asthma The presence of both inspiratory and expiratory wheezing usually signifies asthma if the individual does not have heart failure. Sudden dyspnea is an indicator of the other choices.
A thoracentesis is performed to obtain a sample of pleural fluid or a biopsy speci
Cancer
A client is in the emergency department following a fall on the face. The client reports facial pain. The nurse assesses bleeding from nasal cuts and from the nares, a deformity to the nose, periorbital ecchymoses, and some clear fluid draining from the right nostril. The first action of the nurse is to
Check the clear fluid for glucose. The client's signs and symptoms are consistent with a fracture of the nose. Clear fluid draining from either nostril suggests leakage of cerebrospinal fluid. This can be checked by assessing for glucose, which is in cerebrospinal fluid. This finding is important to identify, because infection can be transmitted through the opening in the cribiform plate. Other options, such as applying an ice pack to the nose and administering ibuprofen, are appropriate interventions but not most important for this client. Reassuring the client that the nose is not fractured is premature until all assessments are completed.
A client arrives in the emergency department reporting shortness of breath. She has 3+ pitting edema below the knees, a respiratory rate of 36 breaths per minute, and heaving respirations. The nurse auscultates the client's lungs to reveal coarse, moist, high-pitched, and non-continuous sounds that do not clear with coughing. The nurse will document these sounds as which type?
Crackles are adventitious breath sounds that are high-pitched, discontinuous, and popping; they may or may not clear with coughing and are moist. Often crackles are associated with heart failure.
A client arrives at the physician's office stating dyspnea; a productive cough for thick, green sputum; respirations of 28 breaths/minute, and a temperature of 102.8° F. The nurse auscultates the lung fields, which reveal poor air exchange in the right middle lobe. The nurse suspects a right middle lobe pneumonia. To be consistent with this anticipated diagnosis, which sound, heard over the chest wall when percussing, is anticipated?
Dull A dull percussed sound, heard over the chest wall, is indicative of little or no air movement in that area of the lung. Lung consolidation such as in pneumonia or fluid accumulation produces the dull sound. A tympanic sound is a high-pitched sound commonly heard over the stomach or bowel. A resonant sound is noted over normal lung tissue. A hyper resonant sound is an abnormal lower pitched sound that occurs when free air exists in disease processes such as pneumothorax.
For a client with pleural effusion, what does chest percussion over the involved area reveal?
Dullness over the involved area
Performing chest physiotherapy as ordered
Dyspnea
Lung compliance (the ability of the lungs to stretch) is a physical factor that affects ventilation. A nurse is aware that a patient who has lost elasticity in the lung tissue has a condition known as:
Emphysema
Lung compliance (the ability of the lungs to stretch) is a physical factor that affects ventilation. A nurse is aware that a patient who has lost elasticity in the lung tissue has a condition known as:
Emphysema Emphysema, most commonly caused by smoking cigarettes, results in a loss of lung elasticity, which destroys the capillaries that supply the alveoli. This causes airway collapse during expiration, dyspnea, and eventually cyanosis.
Which of the following disease processes cause increased compliance?
Emphysema High or increased compliance occurs if the lungs have lost their elasticity (cannot return to normal state) and the thorax is overdistended, as in emphysema. Low or decreased compliance occurs if the lungs and thorax are "stiff" (difficult to stretch). Conditions associated with decreased compliance include pneumothorax, hemothorax, pleural effusion, pulmonary edema, atelectasis, pulmonary fibrosis, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
While assessing for tactile fremitus, the nurse palpates almost no vibration. Which of the following conditions in this client's history will account for this finding?
Emphysema Tactile fremitus is assessed through vibrations of sound on the chest wall by palpation. Normally, fremitus is felt most over the large bronchi and least over the distant lung fields. Clients with emphysema exhibit almost no fremitus, because of the rupture of alveoli and the trapping of air. Air does not conduct sound well
While assessing for tactile fremitus, the nurse palpates almost no vibration. Which of the following conditions in this client's history will account for this finding?
Emphysema Tactile fremitus is assessed through vibrations of sound on the chest wall by palpation. Normally, fremitus is felt most over the large bronchi and least over the distant lung fields. Clients with emphysema exhibit almost no fremitus, because of the rupture of alveoli and the trapping of air. Air does not conduct sound well.
During a routine visit to the pulmonologist, a client is told to undergo a mediastinoscopy. After the physician leaves the room, the nurse enters and is asked about this procedure. How should the nurse respond?
Exploration and biopsy of the lymph nodes that drain the lungs
A nurse notes that the FEV1/FVC ratio is less than 70% and the FEV1 is 40% for a patient with COPD. What stage should the nurse document the patient is in?
III All grades of COPD are associated with an FEV1/FVC ratio of less than 70%. Grade I (mild) is associated with an FEV1 of greater than or equal to 80%. Grade II (moderate) is associated with an FEV1 of 50%-80%. Grade III is associated with an FEV1 of <30%-50%. Grade IV is associated with an FEV1 of <30%.
A client with symptoms of mild persistent asthma is now initiating treatment. Which of
Inhaled beclomethasone (Beconase) For mild persistent asthma, the preferred treatment is an inhaled corticosteroid, such as beclomethasone. The other medications are for long-term control, prevention, or both in moderate to severe persistent asthma.
Which ventilator mode provides a combination of mechanically assisted breaths and spontaneous breaths?
Intermittent mandatory ventilation (IMV) IMV provides a combination of mechanically assisted breaths and spontaneous breaths. Assist-control ventilation provides full ventilator support by delivering a preset tidal volume and respiratory rate. SIMV delivers a preset tidal volume and number of breaths per minute. Between ventilator-delivered breaths, the client can breathe spontaneously with no assistance from the ventilator for those extra breaths. Pressure support ventilation assists SIMV by applying a pressure plateau to the airway throughout the client-triggered inspiration to decrease resistance within the tracheal tube and ventilator tubing.
The nurse is instructing a client who is scheduled for a laryngectomy about methods of laryngeal speech. Which best describes tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP)?
It requires the insertion of a prosthesis into the trachea.
A client suffers acute respiratory distress syndrome as a consequence of shock. The client's condition deteriorates rapidly, and endotracheal (ET) intubation and mechanical ventilation are initiated. When the high-pressure alarm on the mechanical ventilator sounds, the nurse starts to check for the cause. Which condition triggers the high-pressure alarm?
Kinking of the ventilator tubing
A client suffers acute respiratory distress syndrome as a consequence of shock. The client's condition deteriorates rapidly, and endotracheal (ET) intubation and mechanical ventilation are initiated. When the high-pressure alarm on the mechanical ventilator sounds, the nurse starts to check for the cause. Which condition triggers the high-pressure alarm?
Kinking of the ventilator tubing Conditions that trigger the high-pressure alarm include kinking of the ventilator tubing, bronchospasm, pulmonary embolus, mucus plugging, water in the tube, and coughing or biting on the ET tube. The alarm may also be triggered when the client's breathing is out of rhythm with the ventilator. A disconnected ventilator circuit or an ET cuff leak would trigger the low-pressure alarm. Changing the oxygen concentration without resetting the oxygen level alarm would trigger the oxygen alarm, not the high-pressure alarm.
Which oxygen administration device has the advantage of providing a high oxygen concentration?
Nonrebreathing mask The nonrebreathing mask provides high oxygen concentration, but it usually fits poorly. However, if the nonrebreathing mask fits the client snugly and both side exhalation ports have one-way valves, it is possible for the client to receive 100% oxygen, making the nonrebreathing mask a high-flow oxygen system. The Venturi mask provides low levels of supplemental oxygen. The catheter is an inexpensive device that provides a variable fraction of inspired oxygen and may cause gastric distention. A face tent provides a fairly accurate fraction of inspired oxygen but is bulky and uncomfortable. It would not be the device of choice to provide a high oxygen concentration.
A patient has been receiving 100% oxygen therapy by way of a nonrebreather mask for several days. Now the patient complains of tingling in the fingers and shortness of breath, is extremely restless, and describes a pain beneath the breastbone. What should the nurse suspect?
Oxygen toxicity may occur when too high a concentration of oxygen (greater than 50%) is administered for an extended period (longer than 48 hours) (Urden, Stacy, & Lough, 2010). Signs and symptoms of oxygen toxicity include substernal discomfort, paresthesias, dyspnea, restlessness, fatigue, malaise, progressive respiratory difficulty, refractory hypoxemia, alveolar atelectasis, and alveolar infiltrates evident on chest x-rays.
Which diagnostic imaging modality is more accurate than computed tomography in detecting malignancies?
PET PET is more accurate in detecting malignancies than CT, and it has equivalent accuracy in detecting malignant nodules when compared with invasive procedures such as thorascopy. A gallium scan is used to stage bronchogenic cancer and document tumor regression after chemotherapy or radiation. MRI is used to characterize pulmonary nodules, to help stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and to evaluate inflammatory activity in interstitial lung disease. Pulmonary angiography is used to investigate thromboembolic disease of the lungs.
The nurse is reviewing the blood gas results for a patient with pneumonia. What arterial blood gas measurement best reflects the adequacy of alveolar ventilation?
PaCO2 When the minute ventilation falls, alveolar ventilation in the lungs also decreases, and the PaCO2 increases.
A patient is diagnosed as being in the early stage of laryngeal cancer of the glottis with only 1 vocal cord involved. For what type of surgical intervention will the nurse plan to provide education?
Partial laryngectomy
The nurse is assigned the care of a 30-year-old client diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF). Which nursing intervention will be included in the client's care plan?
Performing chest physiotherapy as ordered
Treatment for respiratory acidosis
Physically stimulate the patient to improve ventilation Vigorous pulmonary toilet (chest PT, coughing and deep breathing, inspirometer, respiratory treatments with bronchodilators) Mechanical ventilation (to increase the respiratory rate and tidal volume) Reversal of sedatives and narcotics Antibiotics for infections Diuretics for fluid overload
In general, chest drainage tubes are not indicated for a client undergoing which procedure?
Pneumonectomy
During a preadmission assessment, the nurse finds increased tactile fremitus. She knows this sign is consistent with which of the following diagnoses?
Pneumonia Air does not conduct sound well, but a solid substance such as a tumor, or fluid that increases the density of the lung, as occurs in pneumonia, does. Therefore, an increase in solid tissue of the normally air-filled lung enhances fremitus, and an increase in air in the lung impedes sound. A patient with consolidation of a lobe of the lung from pneumonia has increased tactile fremitus over that lobe.
A patient with asthma is prescribed a short acting beta-adrenergic (SABA) for quick relief. Which of the following is the most likely drug to be prescribed?
Proventil Proventil, a SABA, is given to asthmatic patients for quick relief of symptoms. Atrovent is an anticholinergic. Combivent is a combination SABA/anticholinergic, and Flovent is a corticosteroid.
4 causes of Respiratory Alkalosis
Psychogenic: fear & pain CNS stimulant: ETOH, Brain injury Hypermetabolic state : fever, thyrotoxicosis hypoxia- pulmonary emboli, hyperventilation
The clinical finding of pink, frothy sputum may be an indication of which condion
Pulmonary edema Profuse frothy, pink material, often welling up into the throat, may indicate pulmonary edema. Foul-smelling sputum and bad breath may indicate a lung abscess, bronchiectasis, or an infection caused by fusospirochetal or other anaerobic organisms.
A client has a nursing diagnosis of acute pain related to upper airway irritation. The best short-term goal for this client is for the client to
Report relief of pain to level 3 using a pain intensity scale of 1 to 10.
A nurse is weaning a client from mechanical ventilation. Which assessment finding indicates the weaning process should be stopped?
Runs of ventricular tachycardia
A client is experiencing acute viral rhinosinusitis. The nurse is providing instructions about self-care activities and includes information about
Saline lavages to the nares
A client with myasthenia gravis is receiving continuous mechanical ventilation. When the high-pressure alarm on the ventilator sounds, what should the nurse do?
Suction the client's artificial airway. A high-pressure alarm on a continuous mechanical ventilator indicates an obstruction in the flow of gas from the machine to the client. The nurse should suction the client's artificial airway to remove respiratory secretions that could be causing the obstruction. The sounding of a ventilator alarm has no relationship to the apical pulse. Increasing the oxygen percentage a
A client arrives at the physician's office stating 2 days of febrile illness, dyspnea, and cough. Upon assisting the client into a gown, the nurse notes that the client's sternum is depressed, especially on inspiration. Crackles are noted in the bases of the lung fields. Based on inspection, which will the nurse document?
The client has a funnel chest. The question asks for a documentation based on inspection. A funnel chest, known as pectus excavatum, has the sternum depressed from the second intercostal space, and it is more pronounced on inspiration. The nurse would not diagnose chronic respiratory disease or pneumonia. The client would also not prescribe a cough suppressant.
A client with a suspected pulmonary disorder undergoes pulmonary function tests. To interpret test results accurately, the nurse must be familiar with the terminology used to describe pulmonary functions. Which term refers to the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during each respiratory cycle?
Tidal volume Tidal volume refers to the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during each respiratory cycle when breathing normally. Normal tidal volume ranges from 400 to 700 ml. Vital capacity refers to the total volume of air that can be exhaled during a slow, maximal expiration after maximal inspiration. Functional residual capacity refers to the volume of air remaining in the lungs after a normal expiration. Maximal voluntary ventilation is the greatest volume of air expired in 1 minute with maximal voluntary effort.
A nurse is caring for a client who has frequent upper respiratory infections. Which structure is most helpful in protecting against infection?
Tonsils Tonsils and adenoids do not contribute to respiration but protect against infection. Palatine tonsils are composed of lymphoid tissue. Cilia are fine hairs that move particles and liquid, preventing irritation and contamination of the airway. Sinuses are nasal cavity structures. Turbinates warm and add moisture to the inspired a
Which intervention regarding nutrition is implemented for clients who have undergone laryngectomy?
Use enteral feedings after the procedure Enteral feedings are used 10 to 14 days after a laryngectomy to avoid irritation to the sutures and reduce the risk of aspiration. When oral intake resumes, the nurse offers small amounts of thick liquids. Following a laryngectomy, the client may experience anorexia related to a diminished sense of taste and smell. Excess zinc can impair the immune system and lower the levels of high-density lipoproteins ("good" cholesterol). Therefore, long-term or ongoing use of zinc lozenges to prevent a cold is not recommended
Which is the most reliable and accurate method for delivering precise concentrations of oxygen through noninvasive means?
Venturi mask The Venturi mask is the most reliable and accurate method for delivering a precise concentration of oxygen through noninvasive means. The mask is constructed in a way that allows a constant flow of room air blended with a fixed flow of oxygen. Nasal cannula, T-piece, and partial-rebreathing masks are not the most reliable and accurate methods of oxygen administration.
Which of the following are indicators that a client is ready to be weaned from a ventilator? Select all that apply.
Weaning criteria for clients are as follows: Vital capacity 10 to 15 mL/kg; Maximum inspiratory pressure at least -20 cm H2; Tidal volume: 7 to 9 mL/kg; Minute ventilation: 6 L/min; Rapid/shallow breathing index below 100 breaths/min; PaO2 > 60 mm Hg; FiO2 < 40%
The nurse is caring for a patient who had a total laryngectomy and has drains in place. When does the nurse understand that the drains will most likely be removed?
When the patient has less than 30 mL for 2 consecutive days
signs and symptoms of metabolic acidosis
confuse, coma, elevated t wave and wide qrs, elevated K+, Cl- CA2+, nausea
A client is being seen in the pediatric clinic for a middle ear infection. The client's mother reports that when the client develops an upper respiratory infection, an ear infection seems quick to follow. What contributes to this event?
eustachian tubes The nasopharynx contains the adenoids and openings of the eustachian tubes. The eustachian tubes connect the pharynx to the middle ear and are the means by which upper respiratory infections spread to the middle ear. The client's infection is not caused by genetics. The oropharynx contains the tongue. The epiglottis closes during swallowing and relaxes during respiration.
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease tells a nurse that he feels short of breath. The client's respiratory rate is 36 breaths/minute and the nurse auscultates diffuse wheezes. His arterial oxygen saturation is 84%. The nurse calls the assigned respiratory therapist to administer an ordered nebulizer treatment. The therapist says, "I have several more nebulizer treatments to do on the unit where I am now. As soon as I'm finished, I'll come and assess the client." The nurse's most appropriate action is to:
give the nebulizer treatment herself.
Signs and symptoms of respiratory alkalosis
headache, vertigo , tinnitus, parenthesis, ( low CA+ & K+)
4 causes of acidosis
hypoventilation caused by 1-respiratory depression( sedatives, narcotics, MI, ) 2- respiratory muscle paralysis( spinal cord injury , Guilliane Barre ) 3- chest wall disorder( pneumothorax, frail chest) 4- disorder of the lung parenchyma( CHF, COPD, Aspiration , ARDS, pneumonia)
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted to the medical-surgical unit. To help this client maintain a patent airway and achieve maximal gas exchange, the nurse should:
instruct the client to drink at least 2 L of fluid daily. Mobilizing secretions is crucial to maintaining a patent airway and maximizing gas exchange in the client with COPD. Measures that help mobilize secretions include drinking 2 L of fluid daily, practicing controlled pursed-lip breathing, and engaging in moderate activity. Anxiolytics rarely are recommended for the client with COPD because they may cause sedation and subsequent infection from inadequate mobilization of secretions. Because COPD rarely causes pain, pain medication isn't indicated.
The nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for a bronchoscopy. The nurse understands that it is important to provide the required information and appropriate explanations for any diagnostic procedure to a client with a respiratory disorder in a way that
manages decreased energy levels.
which condition is associated with decrease compliance
pneumothorax, hemothorax, pleural effusion, pulmonary edema, atelectasis, pulmonary fibers , ARDS
What is the primary function of the larynx?
producing sound The larynx, or voice box, is a cartilaginous framework between the pharynx and trachea. Its primary function is to produce sound. While the larynx assists in protecting the lower airway, this is mainly the function of the epiglottis. Facilitating coughing is a secondary function of the larynx. Preventing infection is the main function of the tonsils and adenoids.
Pink, frothy sputum may be an indication of
pulmonary edema. Profuse frothy, pink material, often welling up into the throat, may indicate pulmonary edema. Foul-smelling sputum and bad breath may indicate a lung abscess, bronchiectasis, or an infection caused by fusospirochetal or other anaerobic organisms.
A client with thrombocytopenia, secondary to leukemia, develops epistaxis. The nurse should instruct the client to
sit upright, leaning slightly forward.
4 causes of metabolic acidosis
starvation keto acidosis increase catabolism impaired renal excretion 9 (renal failure)
A nurse is caring for a client who was intubated because of respiratory failure. The client is now receiving mechanical ventilation with a preset tidal volume and number of breaths each minute. The client has the ability to breathe spontaneously between the ventilator breaths with no ventilator assistance. The nurse should document the ventilator setting as:
synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV). In SIMV mode, the ventilator delivers a preset number of breaths at a preset tidal volume. The client can breathe on his own in between the breaths delivered by the ventilator. In PSV, a pressure plateau is added to the ventilator to prevent the airway pressure from falling beneath a preset level. In AC ventilation, the ventilator delivers a preset number of breaths at a preset tidal volume and any breaths that the client takes on his own are assisted by the ventilator so they reach the preset tidal volume.
The amount of air inspired and expired with each breath is called
tidal volume.
Millions of alveoli form most of the pulmonary mass. The squamous epithelial cells lining each alveolus consist of different types of cells. Which type of alveolar cells produce surfactant?
type II cells Type II cells produce surfactant, a phospholipid that alters the surface tension of alveoli, preventing their collapse during expiration and limiting their expansion during inspiration. Type I cells line most alveolar surfaces. The epithelium of the alveoli does not contain Type IV cells. Type III cells destroy foreign material, such as bacteria.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a tracheostomy tube and who is undergoing mechanical ventilation. The nurse can help prevent tracheal dilation, a complication of tracheostomy tube placement, by:
using the minimal-leak technique with cuff pressure less than 25 cm H2O. Suctioning is vital but won't prevent tracheal dilation. Use of a cuffed tube alone won't prevent tracheal dilation. The tracheostomy shouldn't be plugged to prevent tracheal dilation. This technique is used when weaning the client from tracheal support.