A nurse is assessing a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which of the following is a common sign of COPD exacerbation?

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Question 1 of 5

A nurse is assessing a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which of the following is a common sign of COPD exacerbation?

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.

Question 2 of 5

When percussing over the ribs of a patient, the nurse notes a dull sounThe nurse would:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the dull sound over the ribs is a normal finding due to the presence of underlying solid structures such as the liver or spleen. Repositioning the hands or using more force is unnecessary as it won't change the nature of the sound. Referring the patient for additional investigation (choice D) is not warranted as this finding is commonly expected during percussion over the ribs.

Question 3 of 5

A nurse is preparing to assess a hospitalized patient who is experiencing significant shortness of breath. How should the nurse proceed with the assessment?

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.

Question 4 of 5

Which action should be performed first when assessing a hospitalized patient with shortness of breath?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct action is to obtain baseline information first, then do a complete assessment (Choice C). This is important as it allows the healthcare provider to gather initial vital signs and key information before proceeding with a thorough assessment. By obtaining baseline information first, the healthcare provider can assess the patient's current status and identify any urgent needs requiring immediate attention. This approach helps in prioritizing the assessment and subsequent interventions. Examining only the body areas related to the problem (Choice A) may lead to missing important clues to the patient's condition. Obtaining a thorough history and physical assessment from the family (Choice B) can provide valuable information but should not be the first step in assessing the patient's immediate needs. Examining the entire body to determine if the problem is linked to something else (Choice D) is not the most efficient approach as it may delay identifying and addressing the primary issue causing shortness of breath.

Question 5 of 5

The nurse is using a stethoscope to listen for bowel sounds. What should the nurse ensure before using the stethoscope?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Check the room temperature. This is important because extreme temperatures can affect the accuracy of bowel sound assessment. Cold temperatures can cause vasoconstriction, leading to decreased bowel sounds, while warm temperatures can lead to increased sounds due to increased blood flow. Choice A (Clean the stethoscope before use) is important for infection control but not directly related to ensuring accurate bowel sound assessment. Choice C (Place the stethoscope directly on the skin) is incorrect as bowel sounds are auscultated through clothing. Choice D (Use a hand sanitizer after use) is important for hand hygiene but not necessary before using the stethoscope for bowel sounds.

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