Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Ask the patient to lie flat and breathe normally. This position allows for optimal lung expansion, making it easier to hear breath sounds accurately. Asking the patient to lie flat also provides a consistent baseline for comparison across different patients. A: Asking the patient to take deep breaths before auscultation may alter their normal breathing pattern and make it difficult to assess baseline lung sounds accurately. B: Having the patient sit upright can be helpful for certain assessments, but lying flat is preferred for auscultating lung sounds. C: Examining for symmetry is important but not directly related to the optimal position for auscultation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Jaundice. Patients with chronic liver disease are at risk for developing jaundice due to impaired liver function leading to the accumulation of bilirubin. Jaundice is characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes. Monitoring for jaundice is crucial as it indicates worsening liver function. Incorrect choices: A: Hypoglycemia - Not directly related to chronic liver disease, more commonly seen in diabetes. B: Hyperglycemia - Not typically associated with chronic liver disease unless the patient has underlying diabetes. D: Anemia - Can be a complication of chronic liver disease, but monitoring for jaundice takes priority due to its direct association with liver dysfunction.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: A complete health database because of the nurse's primary responsibility for monitoring the patient's health. In this initial home visit, the nurse needs to gather comprehensive information about the patient's medical history, current health status, medications, allergies, and lifestyle factors to establish a baseline for ongoing care. This complete health database will help the nurse make informed decisions and provide personalized care. Choice A (follow-up database) is incorrect as it is used to evaluate changes over time, not for the initial assessment. Choice B (episodic database) is incorrect because the patient's chronic medical problems require a more comprehensive approach. Choice D (emergency database) is incorrect as it is used for urgent situations, not for routine assessments.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because determining if the patient can afford her medications is crucial in managing her diabetes effectively. Financial constraints can significantly impact a patient's ability to adhere to treatment, leading to poor health outcomes. By addressing affordability, the nurse can ensure the patient can access and comply with the prescribed medications. A, finding out why the patient is not compliant, is not the priority at this stage as addressing affordability comes first. B, reinforcing health teaching related to diet and exercise, is important but secondary to ensuring access to medications. D, sending the patient to the diabetic clinic for follow-up, is not as critical as addressing immediate financial concerns.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Respiratory failure. In chronic asthma, persistent inflammation and airway remodeling can lead to worsening lung function and respiratory distress, ultimately resulting in respiratory failure. Monitoring for signs of respiratory distress such as increased work of breathing, decreased oxygen saturation, and altered mental status is crucial. A: Hypoglycemia is not a typical complication of asthma. B: Oxygen toxicity is not a common complication in asthma management unless high concentrations of supplemental oxygen are administered for prolonged periods. C: Hyperkalemia is not directly associated with asthma but may occur as a complication of certain asthma treatments or comorbid conditions. Therefore, the priority complication to monitor in a patient with chronic asthma is respiratory failure due to the progressive nature of the disease and the potential for acute exacerbations.