A nurse is beginning to conduct a health history for a patient with respiratory problems. He notes that the patient is having respiratory distress. What would the nurse do next?

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Question 1 of 5

A nurse is beginning to conduct a health history for a patient with respiratory problems. He notes that the patient is having respiratory distress. What would the nurse do next?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Initiate interventions to help relieve the symptoms. When a patient is experiencing respiratory distress, it is crucial for the nurse to prioritize addressing the immediate physiological needs of the patient. Respiratory distress indicates a potentially life-threatening situation where prompt action is necessary to ensure the patient's safety and well-being. By initiating interventions to relieve the symptoms, the nurse is taking a critical step in stabilizing the patient's condition and preventing further complications. Option A) Continuing with the health history, but more slowly, is incorrect because in the presence of respiratory distress, addressing the symptoms should take precedence over collecting additional health history information. Delaying interventions to proceed with the health history could endanger the patient's health. Option B) Asking questions of the family instead of the patient is inappropriate in this situation as the patient is the one experiencing respiratory distress and requires immediate attention from the healthcare provider. Relying on family members for information may cause further delays in providing necessary care. Option C) Conducting the interview later and letting the patient rest is not advisable when a patient is in respiratory distress. Waiting to conduct the interview could lead to a worsening of the patient's condition and is not in line with the urgency required in such situations. From an educational standpoint, this question highlights the importance of prioritizing patient care based on the urgency of the situation. It underscores the significance of swift decision-making and intervention in critical care scenarios, such as respiratory distress. Nurses must be prepared to act quickly and decisively to address immediate health concerns and ensure patient safety and well-being.

Question 2 of 5

The nurse would expect to see increased ventilations if a patient exhibits

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decreased carbon dioxide levels. When carbon dioxide levels decrease in the body, it signals the need for increased ventilation to remove excess carbon dioxide. This is known as the respiratory drive. Increased oxygen saturation (choice A) would not directly trigger increased ventilations. Decreased pH (choice C) is a sign of acidosis and may lead to increased respiratory rate, but the primary trigger for ventilation is the carbon dioxide levels. Increased hemoglobin levels (choice D) would not directly influence the need for increased ventilations.

Question 3 of 5

The nurse is assessing a patient with a right pneumothorax. Which finding would the nurse expect?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Absence of breath sounds on the right side. In a right pneumothorax, air enters the pleural space, causing lung collapse and decreased breath sounds on the affected side. This is due to the lack of air movement in the affected lung area. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because bilateral crackles and right-sided wheezes are not typically associated with pneumothorax. The trachea deviates away from the affected side in a tension pneumothorax, not necessarily in a simple pneumothorax.

Question 4 of 5

A nurse is teaching a client about the purpose of pursed-lip breathing. Which of the following explanations should the nurse provide?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: To improve carbon dioxide elimination. Pursed-lip breathing involves exhaling through pursed lips to create back pressure, helping to keep airways open longer and improving carbon dioxide elimination. This technique reduces the work of breathing and can be beneficial for clients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other respiratory conditions. Explanation for other choices: A: To increase oxygen intake - Pursed-lip breathing primarily helps with exhaling, not increasing oxygen intake. B: To promote relaxation - While pursed-lip breathing can promote relaxation by slowing down breathing and reducing anxiety, its primary purpose is related to respiratory function. C: To strengthen respiratory muscles - Pursed-lip breathing mainly focuses on improving breathing efficiency rather than strengthening respiratory muscles.

Question 5 of 5

A client with COPD is prescribed a high-calorie, high-protein diet. What instruction should the nurse provide?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: A client with COPD may have difficulty breathing while eating due to increased energy expenditure. Instructing them to avoid drinking fluids during meals can prevent feeling full quickly, aiding in consuming more calories and proteins. Choices B and C may lead to increased discomfort during eating. Choice D is incorrect as fat intake does not directly impact oxygen consumption in COPD.

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