A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The nurse should monitor for which of the following complications?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, hypercapnia. In COPD, impaired lung function leads to inadequate oxygen exchange, causing increased carbon dioxide levels in the blood (hypercapnia). This can result in respiratory acidosis and further exacerbate respiratory distress. Monitoring for hypercapnia is crucial in COPD management to prevent respiratory failure. Incorrect choices: A: Pulmonary embolism - While patients with COPD are at increased risk for blood clots, pulmonary embolism is not a direct complication of COPD. B: Pneumothorax - Although individuals with COPD may develop pneumothorax due to weakened lung tissue, it is not a common complication. D: Asthma attack - Asthma and COPD are distinct conditions with different pathophysiology. Asthma attacks are not a typical complication of COPD.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Serum albumin levels. Serum albumin is a protein produced by the liver and is a key indicator of a patient's nutritional status. Low levels of serum albumin indicate malnutrition or protein deficiency. Monitoring serum albumin levels provides an objective measure of the patient's overall nutritional status. Choice A (Patient's weight) can be influenced by factors other than nutrition, such as fluid retention or muscle mass. Choice C (Patient's food preferences) does not provide direct information on the patient's actual nutritional intake. Choice D (Number of meals consumed per day) does not account for the quality or quantity of nutrients consumed in those meals.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because avoiding physical activity to prevent joint strain is not recommended for managing osteoarthritis. Exercise is crucial for strengthening joints and improving flexibility. Choice A is correct as heat or cold therapy can help relieve joint pain. Choice B is correct as taking pain medication regularly can help manage symptoms. Choice C is correct as regular exercise is important for maintaining joint health. In summary, avoiding physical activity is not a recommended approach for managing osteoarthritis, unlike the other choices which are beneficial for the condition.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Rationale: 1. Current health promotion activities are important to assess the patient's preventive measures. 2. At 87 years old, focusing on current habits can help identify areas for improvement. 3. Obstetrical history is irrelevant as the patient is postmenopausal. 4. Childhood illnesses are less relevant compared to current health status. 5. General health for the past 20 years may not reflect current health behaviors.

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: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because it demonstrates a rapid succession of loosely associated thoughts, typical of flight of ideas. The statement transitions from discussing a pill to the color red, then red velvet, and finally to a baby's bottom. This rapid and disjointed flow of thoughts is characteristic of flight of ideas, a symptom commonly seen in manic episodes of bipolar disorder. Choices A, B, and D do not exhibit the same level of rapid and tangential thoughts as choice C, making them incorrect.

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.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: I will rotate injection sites to avoid tissue damage. This statement indicates proper understanding because rotating injection sites helps prevent tissue damage and ensures consistent absorption. Injecting into the same spot every time can lead to lipohypertrophy. Injecting insulin only when blood glucose is elevated is incorrect as insulin is needed regularly. Injecting into the arm for faster absorption is also incorrect, as it can lead to unpredictable absorption rates. Rotation of sites is crucial for optimal insulin absorption and to prevent complications.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assess the patient's emotional state and provide reassurance. The first priority is to address the patient's anxiety and worry, as this can impact their overall well-being and ability to cope with the upcoming surgery. By assessing the emotional state, the nurse can understand the patient's concerns and provide appropriate support and reassurance. Discussing the risks and benefits (choice B) may be important but not the immediate priority. Encouraging relaxation (choice C) may not address the underlying anxiety. Calling the surgeon (choice D) is not necessary at this point as the nurse should first focus on the patient's emotional needs.