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 first step in the care of a client with a severe allergic reaction?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer epinephrine. This is the first step in the care of a client with a severe allergic reaction because epinephrine is the primary medication used to reverse the life-threatening symptoms of anaphylaxis. Epinephrine acts quickly to constrict blood vessels, relax smooth muscles in the lungs to improve breathing, and increase heart rate. Administering epinephrine promptly can prevent progression to severe outcomes like respiratory failure or shock. Corticosteroids (B and C) are used as adjunct therapy and do not provide immediate relief. Applying a cold compress (D) does not address the systemic effects of anaphylaxis and can delay potentially life-saving treatment.

Question 3 of 9

A woman is describing the problems she is having with her 2-year-old son. "He won't go to sleep at night, and during the day he has several fits. I get so upset when that happens." The nurse's best verbal response would be:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because it demonstrates active listening and seeks clarification on the issue at hand. By asking the woman to explain what she means by "fits," the nurse can gain a better understanding of the child's behavior and provide appropriate support and guidance. This response shows empathy and a willingness to address the woman's concerns effectively. Choice A is incorrect because it does not address the woman's specific concerns or invite further discussion. Choice C is incorrect because it simply acknowledges the woman's feelings without delving deeper into the issue. Choice D is incorrect as it dismisses the woman's feelings and generalizes the behavior as typical for all 2-year-olds without addressing her individual situation.

Question 4 of 9

What should be the nurse's first action for a client with a suspected myocardial infarction (MI)?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer nitroglycerin. This is the nurse's first action for a client with a suspected MI because nitroglycerin helps dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow to the heart. This can help reduce chest pain and prevent further damage to the heart muscle. Administering nitroglycerin promptly is crucial in managing an MI. Monitoring cardiac rhythm (B) and assessing the ECG (C) are important steps, but administering nitroglycerin takes precedence in addressing the client's immediate symptoms. Assisting with positioning (D) is not as urgent or directly related to managing an MI compared to administering nitroglycerin.

Question 5 of 9

What is the most appropriate action when a parent crosses their arms and legs during an interview?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because crossing arms and legs can indicate defensiveness or discomfort, which may suggest the parent is uneasy discussing their son's treatment. This nonverbal cue could signal a need for empathy and sensitivity in communication. Choice A is incorrect as it overlooks the significance of body language. Choice B assumes comfort without considering the context. Choice C assumes tiredness without considering other possibilities. Understanding body language cues can help in building rapport and addressing concerns effectively.

Question 6 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 7 of 9

Which intervention should the nurse implement for a client who is experiencing a seizure?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, administering antiepileptic medications. This is because during an active seizure, the priority is to stop the seizure activity. Antiepileptic medications are specifically designed to prevent or reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures. Placing the client on their side and protecting their head (choice A) is important for safety but does not address stopping the seizure. Loosening clothing and ensuring safety (choice B) is also important but does not directly address the seizure itself. Monitoring airway and giving oxygen (choice C) is crucial but does not actively stop the seizure. Therefore, administering antiepileptic medications is the most appropriate intervention to address the root cause of the seizure.

Question 8 of 9

What is the most appropriate action for a client with a history of asthma who is experiencing wheezing?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer albuterol. Albuterol is a bronchodilator that helps open the airways, relieving wheezing in asthma patients. It is the first-line treatment for acute asthma exacerbations. Antihistamines (B) do not treat asthma symptoms. Monitoring for infection (C) is important but not the immediate action for wheezing. Epinephrine (D) is used for severe allergic reactions, not routine asthma management.

Question 9 of 9

Which medication should be administered first for a client with acute asthma exacerbation?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for choosing Albuterol as the correct answer: 1. Albuterol is a rapid-acting bronchodilator that provides immediate relief by relaxing the airway muscles during asthma exacerbation. 2. It is the first-line medication recommended by guidelines for acute asthma attacks due to its quick onset of action. 3. Albuterol helps in opening the airways, improving airflow, and relieving symptoms like shortness of breath and wheezing. 4. Epinephrine is not the first choice for asthma exacerbation as it can have more systemic side effects. 5. Levalbuterol is a similar medication to Albuterol but may not be as widely available or cost-effective. 6. IV corticosteroids are important for long-term control but take longer to show effects, making them less suitable as the initial treatment for acute exacerbation.

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