A male client with a history of asthma reports having episodes of bronchoconstriction and increased mucous production while exercising. Which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct action for the nurse to implement is option A) Determine if the client is using an inhaler before exercising. This choice is the most appropriate because the client's history of asthma and symptoms of bronchoconstriction and increased mucous production during exercise indicate exercise-induced asthma. Using an inhaler before exercising can help prevent or reduce these symptoms by opening up the airways and reducing inflammation. Option B) Advising the client to avoid all physical activity is incorrect as it is not a practical or healthy solution. Regular exercise is important for overall health, and with proper asthma management, individuals with asthma can safely engage in physical activities. Option C) Encouraging the client to increase fluid intake before exercise is not directly related to managing asthma symptoms during exercise. While staying hydrated is important, it will not address the underlying issue of bronchoconstriction in this case. Option D) Recommending the client wear a mask while exercising is not as effective as using an inhaler specifically designed to manage asthma symptoms. Masks may not provide the necessary bronchodilation and anti-inflammatory effects needed to alleviate symptoms during exercise. Educationally, understanding the importance of proper asthma management during exercise is crucial for nurses caring for pediatric clients with asthma. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of exercise-induced asthma and knowing the appropriate interventions, such as using an inhaler before exercise, can significantly improve the quality of life for these individuals and help them safely participate in physical activities.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the case of an adult female client diagnosed with restless leg syndrome and prescribed ferrous sulfate (Feosol) 325 mg PO daily, the nurse should monitor serum iron and ferritin levels. This is because ferrous sulfate is a form of iron supplement, and monitoring iron and ferritin levels will help assess the effectiveness of the treatment and prevent iron deficiency or iron overload complications. Option A, monitoring serum electrolytes, is not a priority in this case because the primary concern is monitoring iron levels due to the prescribed iron supplement. Option B, monitoring neutrophils and eosinophils, is not directly related to the treatment of restless leg syndrome with ferrous sulfate. Option D, monitoring platelet count and hematocrit, is not the most appropriate choice either. While iron deficiency can lead to anemia, monitoring iron and ferritin levels directly assess the iron status, which is crucial when administering an iron supplement like ferrous sulfate. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind monitoring specific laboratory values in response to prescribed medications is essential for nurses to provide safe and effective care to their patients. This question highlights the importance of connecting pharmacological interventions to monitoring parameters to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, option B) Sensation in feet and legs is the correct assessment to determine if the client is experiencing long-term complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). This is crucial because diabetic neuropathy is a common long-term complication of diabetes that affects sensation in the extremities. Assessing sensation in the feet and legs helps identify peripheral neuropathy, which can lead to serious complications such as foot ulcers and amputations if not managed appropriately. Option A) Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) are important assessments to monitor kidney function in diabetes, but they are more related to renal complications rather than neurological complications like peripheral neuropathy. Option C) Skin condition of lower extremities is important for assessing for complications like diabetic ulcers or infections but does not specifically target neurological complications like peripheral neuropathy. Option D) Visual acuity is important for monitoring complications related to the eyes in diabetes (diabetic retinopathy), which is a common long-term complication, but it is not directly related to assessing for peripheral neuropathy. In an educational context, it is essential for nurses caring for diabetic patients, especially those with long-term type 2 diabetes, to be vigilant in assessing for complications early to prevent further deterioration of health. Understanding the specific assessments required for different complications of diabetes aids in providing comprehensive care and improving patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the most important intervention for the nurse to include in the client's plan of care is continuous cardiac monitoring (option A). Electrical injuries can cause cardiac arrhythmias and monitoring the client's heart rhythm is crucial to detect any abnormalities early on. Option B, performing passive range of motion, is not the priority in this situation as cardiac monitoring takes precedence due to the potential life-threatening complications of electrical injuries on the heart. Option C, evaluating the level of consciousness, is important but not as critical as continuous cardiac monitoring in this context. Changes in consciousness can be secondary to cardiac issues and would be detected through cardiac monitoring. Option D, assessing lung sounds q4 hours, is also important but not as urgent as continuous cardiac monitoring. While respiratory complications can occur in burn patients, cardiac monitoring is a higher priority in this case. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of recognizing the potential complications of electrical injuries, prioritizing interventions based on the client's condition, and understanding the critical role of continuous cardiac monitoring in such cases.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Daily exercise and walking enhances cardiovascular fitness. This option is the most appropriate because regular physical activity, such as walking, has been shown to improve cardiovascular health by strengthening the heart, improving circulation, and increasing overall fitness levels. In the context of clients with asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema, enhancing cardiovascular fitness can lead to better endurance, reduced shortness of breath, and improved quality of life. Option B) Exercise eliminates the need for bronchodilator medications is incorrect because while exercise can improve respiratory function and overall health, it is not a replacement for essential medications like bronchodilators that help manage symptoms in clients with respiratory conditions. Option C) Walking daily reverses lung damage caused by chronic conditions is incorrect because while exercise can improve lung function and overall health, it cannot reverse existing structural damage caused by chronic conditions like asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. Option D) Physical activity increases mucus production to clear airways is incorrect because while staying active can help mobilize mucus and improve airway clearance in some cases, it does not directly increase mucus production and may not be suitable for all individuals with respiratory conditions, as increased mucus production can exacerbate symptoms in certain cases. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to provide evidence-based information to clients with respiratory conditions to empower them to make informed decisions about their health. Encouraging regular exercise, like walking, as part of a comprehensive management plan can have numerous benefits for cardiovascular health and overall well-being in individuals with asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.