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

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Question 1 of 9

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

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administering bronchodilators as prescribed. Rationale: 1. Bronchodilators help dilate the airways, improving airflow in COPD patients. 2. Priority is to address the underlying respiratory issue. 3. Bronchodilators are a standard treatment for managing COPD symptoms. 4. Improving airway patency is crucial in COPD exacerbations. Summary: - B: Encouraging avoidance of physical activity is incorrect as it can lead to deconditioning. - C: Providing supplemental oxygen is important but not the priority in this case. - D: Monitoring for acute kidney injury is unrelated to COPD management.

Question 2 of 9

What is the priority nursing intervention for a client with a history of asthma experiencing wheezing?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a client with asthma experiencing wheezing is to administer oxygen. Wheezing indicates airway constriction and decreased oxygenation, making oxygen crucial for adequate tissue perfusion. Administering oxygen helps improve oxygen levels, alleviate respiratory distress, and prevent hypoxemia. Applying a bronchodilator (Choice B) may be beneficial after oxygen is administered. Applying a cold compress (Choice C) is not indicated for asthma exacerbations, and encouraging deep breathing (Choice D) may worsen respiratory distress in a client with wheezing. In summary, administering oxygen is the priority intervention to address the immediate respiratory needs of the client with asthma and wheezing.

Question 3 of 9

The nurse is caring for a patient who is a recent immigrant and has limited English proficiency. Which of the following is the best action the nurse should take?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Use a professional interpreter or translation services to communicate effectively. This is the best action because it ensures accurate communication and understanding between the nurse and the patient. Professional interpreters are trained to accurately convey information while respecting cultural nuances. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: A: Using medical jargon can confuse the patient further and hinder effective communication. B: Speaking loudly and slowly can come across as patronizing and does not address the language barrier. D: Relying on the patient's family for translation can lead to miscommunication or breaches of patient confidentiality.

Question 4 of 9

Which quadrant of the abdomen is tender in suspected appendicitis?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct quadrant for tenderness in suspected appendicitis is the lower right quadrant (Choice C). This is because the appendix is located in the lower right abdomen. Appendicitis typically presents with pain starting around the navel and then localizing to the lower right quadrant. The other choices, upper right (Choice A), upper left (Choice B), and lower left (Choice D) are incorrect as they do not correspond to the typical location of the appendix. Upper right quadrant is where the liver and gallbladder are situated, upper left quadrant contains the stomach and spleen, and lower left quadrant has the colon and left ovary/testis.

Question 5 of 9

What is the most effective treatment for a client with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer oxygen. ARDS is characterized by severe hypoxemia, and oxygen therapy is essential to improve oxygenation. Administering corticosteroids (B) is not recommended as they do not improve outcomes in ARDS. Monitoring serum glucose (C) is unrelated to the treatment of ARDS. Administering pain relief (D) is important for patient comfort but does not address the underlying hypoxemia in ARDS. Oxygen therapy is the primary treatment to support respiratory function and improve oxygen delivery in ARDS.

Question 6 of 9

What is the best way to assess a client's nutritional status?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitoring serum albumin levels. This is because serum albumin is a protein synthesized by the liver that reflects long-term protein intake and overall nutritional status. Low levels indicate malnutrition or inflammation. Obtaining a dietary history (choice A) is important but may not always reflect the actual nutritional status. Monitoring weight (choice C) is helpful but may not provide a comprehensive view of the client's nutritional status. Providing a meal plan (choice D) is a proactive approach but does not directly assess the client's current nutritional status.

Question 7 of 9

In response to a question about use of alcohol, a patient asks the nurse why the nurse needs that information. What reason would the nurse give the patient?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because alcohol can interact with medications and exacerbate certain medical conditions. The nurse needs this information to ensure the patient's safety and well-being. Choice A is incorrect because the question is not about the patient's reliability. Choice C is incorrect as it assumes the nurse is required to educate the patient about alcohol dangers. Choice D is incorrect because even without an obvious drinking problem, alcohol use can still impact the patient's health.

Question 8 of 9

A nurse is teaching a patient with diabetes about managing blood glucose levels. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates the need for further education?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Stopping insulin once blood glucose is normal is incorrect as insulin is crucial for managing diabetes even when blood glucose levels are within the target range. Insulin helps regulate blood sugar levels consistently, and stopping it abruptly can lead to hyperglycemia. Choices A, B, and D are correct statements indicating good diabetes management practices. Monitoring blood glucose levels, exercising regularly, and following a balanced diet are essential for controlling blood sugar levels and overall health.

Question 9 of 9

What term describes excessive stretching of a ligament, as seen in a client with a pulled ligament?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: strain. A strain refers to excessive stretching or tearing of a muscle or tendon, not a ligament. A sprain (choice A) is the correct term for excessive stretching of a ligament. Subluxation (choice C) refers to partial dislocation of a joint, not a ligament injury. Distortion (choice D) is a general term that does not specifically describe ligament stretching. Therefore, the correct term for excessive stretching of a ligament is a sprain, making choice A the correct answer.

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