Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increased shortness of breath. During a COPD exacerbation, airflow limitation worsens, leading to increased difficulty in breathing. This is a common sign due to air trapping and inflammation in the airways. Sudden weight gain (A) is not typically associated with COPD exacerbation. Decreased heart rate (C) is not a common sign and is more likely to occur in other conditions. Increased energy levels (D) are unlikely during a COPD exacerbation as the body is under stress from impaired lung function.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The most important goal for a nurse when implementing care for a patient with a chronic illness is to prevent future complications (Choice C). This is because chronic illnesses are long-term conditions that require ongoing management to minimize the risk of complications and improve the patient's quality of life. By preventing future complications, the nurse helps maintain the patient's health and prevents the progression of the disease. Providing emotional support (Choice D) is important but not the most crucial goal in this context. While reducing symptoms (Choice B) is important, preventing future complications takes precedence as it addresses the underlying cause of the illness. Curing the disease (Choice A) may not always be feasible for chronic illnesses, making prevention of complications a more realistic and essential goal.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it focuses on prioritizing the assessment by first addressing the immediate problem of shortness of breath. By examining only the body areas related to the current issue, the nurse can quickly gather essential information to manage the patient's respiratory distress effectively. Once the critical issue is stabilized, a complete assessment can be conducted to identify any underlying problems or potential complications. This approach ensures that the nurse addresses the most urgent needs first before proceeding to a comprehensive assessment. Choice B is incorrect because it suggests only examining body areas directly related to the hospitalization problem, which may overlook other critical issues contributing to the shortness of breath. Choice C is incorrect as shortness of breath is not a normal finding and should not be dismissed without further evaluation. Choice D is incorrect as examining the entire body without focusing on the immediate issue may delay appropriate interventions for the patient's respiratory distress.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Breath sounds and oxygen saturation. In COPD, monitoring respiratory status is crucial due to impaired gas exchange. Assessing breath sounds helps identify any adventitious sounds like wheezing or crackles, indicating respiratory distress. Oxygen saturation reflects oxygenation status, vital for patients with COPD prone to hypoxemia. Nutritional intake and weight (B), bowel sounds and abdominal girth (C), and urine output and skin integrity (D) are important but secondary assessments in this case. Nutritional status and weight are important for overall health, bowel sounds and abdominal girth are related to gastrointestinal function, and urine output and skin integrity are indicators of hydration and overall skin health, respectively. However, in a patient with COPD, the priority is ensuring adequate oxygenation and respiratory function.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Administering aspirin is the most appropriate intervention for a client experiencing a heart attack. Aspirin helps prevent blood clot formation, which is crucial in reducing further damage to the heart during a heart attack. It inhibits platelets from clumping together, improving blood flow to the heart muscle. Thrombolytics are used to dissolve existing blood clots, but aspirin is more preventive. Monitoring for arrhythmias is important but not the initial intervention. Administering morphine can be considered for pain relief but is not as crucial as administering aspirin to prevent further clot formation.