A client recovering from a thoracentesis reports feeling lightheaded and short of breath. What is the nurse's priority action?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess the client for signs of pneumothorax. Following a thoracentesis, lightheadedness and shortness of breath could indicate a pneumothorax, a potential complication where air accumulates in the pleural space. The priority action is to assess for signs of pneumothorax, such as decreased breath sounds, chest pain, and respiratory distress, as it requires immediate intervention to prevent further complications. Encouraging slow, deep breaths (A) may worsen a pneumothorax. Administering pain medication (C) is not the priority when respiratory distress is present. Positioning the client flat (D) may exacerbate a pneumothorax.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Avoid smoking or open flames near oxygen equipment. This is crucial because oxygen supports combustion and can cause fires. Smoking or having open flames near oxygen equipment can lead to serious accidents. A: Using oxygen only when shortness of breath occurs is incorrect because oxygen therapy should be used as prescribed by the healthcare provider, not just when symptoms are present. C: Setting the oxygen flow rate to 4 L/min at all times is incorrect because the flow rate should be adjusted based on the client's oxygen saturation levels and prescribed by the healthcare provider. D: Storing oxygen tanks in an enclosed space for safety is incorrect because oxygen tanks should be stored in a well-ventilated area, away from heat sources, to reduce the risk of fire.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The primary goal of oxygen therapy in pulmonary fibrosis is to maintain tissue oxygenation. Pulmonary fibrosis causes scarring of the lungs, leading to impaired gas exchange and reduced oxygen levels in the blood. Supplemental oxygen helps to ensure that the tissues receive an adequate supply of oxygen, preventing hypoxemia and tissue damage. - A: Oxygen therapy does not cure pulmonary fibrosis but helps manage symptoms. - C: Oxygen therapy may prevent acute exacerbations but may not always prevent the need for mechanical ventilation. - D: While oxygen therapy can improve exercise tolerance temporarily, it does not offer a permanent solution for pulmonary fibrosis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Before engaging in exercise. SABAs are used as quick-relief medications to provide immediate relief of asthma symptoms, such as shortness of breath and wheezing. Using the inhaler before exercise helps prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction by opening up the airways. Option A is incorrect because using SABA daily at bedtime is not recommended and can lead to overuse. Option C is incorrect as SABA should be used as needed for quick relief, not necessarily after taking a corticosteroid inhaler. Option D is incorrect because SABA should be used not only during severe asthma attacks but also before physical activity to prevent symptoms.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the student should listen during both inspiratory and expiratory phases without moving the stethoscope in between. This ensures a comprehensive assessment of lung sounds. Choice A is correct as comparing breath sounds from side to side is a good practice. Choice C is also correct as starting at the apices and moving down towards the bases is a proper technique. Choice D is incorrect because instructing the patient to breathe slowly and deeply is a standard instruction for a respiratory assessment.