A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of chronic asthma. The nurse should prioritize monitoring for which of the following complications?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Respiratory failure. For a patient with chronic asthma, the priority complication to monitor for is respiratory failure as it can be life-threatening. Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that can lead to severe bronchoconstriction and impaired gas exchange, potentially resulting in respiratory failure. Monitoring for signs such as increased respiratory rate, use of accessory muscles, decreased oxygen saturation, and altered mental status is crucial. Pneumothorax (A) is a possible complication but less common in chronic asthma. Hyperglycemia (B) and chronic renal failure (D) are not directly related to asthma and are not the primary complications to monitor for in this case.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Encouraging regular foot inspections. This is the priority intervention because diabetic neuropathy can lead to decreased sensation in the feet, increasing the risk of injury or infection. Regular foot inspections can help detect any issues early and prevent complications. Incorrect choices: B: Providing additional protein to the diet - While nutrition is important for overall health, providing additional protein does not directly address the specific issue of diabetic neuropathy. C: Encouraging weight loss to reduce joint stress - Weight loss may be beneficial for overall health, but it is not the priority intervention for diabetic neuropathy. D: Administering pain medication for relief - Pain management is important, but addressing the root cause through regular foot inspections is more essential in preventing further complications.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Implementing physical therapy and exercises. This is crucial for managing chronic pain as it helps improve strength, flexibility, and overall function. Physical therapy can also address underlying issues contributing to pain. Choice A could worsen pain if not done appropriately. Choice B may be necessary but should not be the sole approach. Choice D can be beneficial but may not address the root cause of pain like physical therapy does.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hyperglycemia. In diabetes, hyperglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels are too high. This can lead to various complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state. Monitoring for hyperglycemia is crucial to prevent these serious complications. A: Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar and can also occur in diabetes, but it is not the primary complication to monitor for in this case. B: Hyperkalemia is high potassium levels and is not a common complication of diabetes unless there are other underlying issues. C: Hypotension is low blood pressure, which can be a complication of diabetes but is not as directly related to glucose management as hyperglycemia. In summary, monitoring for hyperglycemia is essential in diabetes care to prevent serious complications associated with high blood sugar levels.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Jaundice. In chronic liver disease, impaired liver function leads to the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood, causing jaundice. Jaundice is a common complication seen in patients with liver disease. Anemia (choice A) may occur in liver disease but is not as specific as jaundice. Hypertension (choice C) is not a direct complication of liver disease. Hypoglycemia (choice D) is more commonly associated with pancreatic disorders, not liver disease. Therefore, monitoring for jaundice is crucial in patients with chronic liver disease.