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 signs of exacerbation?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because increased sputum production and shortness of breath are classic signs of exacerbation in COPD. This indicates worsening airflow limitation and potential respiratory distress. Monitoring these signs helps in early intervention and preventing further complications. B: Improved oxygen saturation is not a sign of exacerbation in COPD. It would actually suggest improvement in the patient's condition. C: Increased energy levels are not typical signs of exacerbation in COPD. Patients usually experience fatigue and weakness during exacerbations. D: Decreased respiratory rate is not indicative of exacerbation in COPD. It could be a sign of respiratory depression or sedation, but not exacerbation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Asking the patient to rate pain on a scale of 0 to 10 is a standard pain assessment tool, allowing for quantification and tracking of pain intensity. Step 2: This question helps in understanding the severity of pain objectively. Step 3: It provides a baseline for further pain management interventions. Step 4: Other choices are incorrect as they do not directly address assessing pain intensity or severity. Summary: Option A is the most appropriate as it focuses on quantifying pain, which is crucial for effective pain management. Choices B, C, and D are not as relevant for assessing pain intensity.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Clubbing of the nails. Clubbing is a physical finding associated with chronic respiratory conditions like emphysema and bronchitis. It is characterized by the softening of the nail bed and the loss of the normal angle between the nail and the nail bed. This occurs due to chronic hypoxia and can be a sign of advanced lung disease. Anasarca (choice A) is generalized edema, not specific to respiratory conditions. Scleroderma (choice B) is a connective tissue disorder affecting the skin and other organs, not directly related to respiratory conditions. Pedal erythema (choice C) refers to redness of the feet and is not a typical finding in emphysema or bronchitis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct interpretation of a drumlike sound heard during percussion of the abdomen is that it indicates air-filled areas within the abdomen. This sound, known as tympany, occurs when air is present in the gastrointestinal tract or hollow organs. Percussion produces a resonant, drum-like sound over these air-filled areas. This is a normal finding during a physical examination. Incorrect Answers: A: Constipation does not typically produce a drumlike sound during percussion. Constipation may cause a dull sound due to fecal matter retention. C: The presence of a tumor would not cause a drumlike sound during percussion. Tumors are typically solid masses and would produce a dull sound during percussion. D: Dense organs such as the liver or spleen would produce a dull sound, not a drumlike sound, during percussion due to their solid nature.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Bleeding or perforation. After a colonoscopy, the patient is at risk for bleeding or perforation which are serious complications requiring immediate attention. Monitoring for signs such as abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, or signs of peritonitis is crucial. Choice A is not a priority unless the patient shows signs of shock. Choice C is a common post-procedure issue but not a priority complication. Choice D, pain at the insertion site, is expected and can be managed with analgesics.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because spirituality is a personal and intrinsic search for meaning and purpose in life, which is central to the human experience. This definition aligns with the concept of spirituality as a journey of self-discovery and reflection, independent of organized religion or cultural background. Explanation for why other choices are incorrect: A: Worshiping a higher power within an organization implies a religious practice rather than spirituality, which is more individualistic and introspective. B: Attendance at a specific house of worship is a religious practice, not necessarily reflective of spirituality, which can exist outside formal religious institutions. D: While spirituality can be influenced by cultural background, it is not solely tied to it, as it transcends social, ethnic, and historical boundaries.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because stopping the inhaler once feeling better is incorrect. Inhalers are used to manage COPD symptoms long-term, not just when feeling unwell. Step 1: Explain that inhalers are essential for managing COPD and should be used consistently. Step 2: Emphasize that stopping inhaler use prematurely can lead to exacerbation of symptoms and worsening of the condition. Step 3: Reinforce the importance of following the prescribed treatment plan for optimal COPD management. Other choices are incorrect: A: True, avoiding second-hand smoke is crucial for COPD management. B: True, taking medications as prescribed is essential. D: True, breathing exercises can help improve lung function.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: It was a nontherapeutic response. The nurse responded in a way that downplayed the patient's concerns and shut down the conversation. Rationale: 1. The nurse's response of dismissing the woman's fear and immediately shifting the focus to medication options invalidates the woman's feelings. 2. By sharing her own experience without acknowledging the woman's emotions, the nurse fails to provide genuine support. 3. The response lacks empathy and fails to address the woman's emotional needs, thus hindering effective communication. 4. This type of response may discourage the woman from expressing her concerns openly in the future, leading to potential emotional distress. Summary of other choices: A: Incorrect. Sharing personal experience alone does not make it therapeutic. In this context, it did not address the woman's emotional concerns effectively. C: Incorrect. Providing information about medications, although helpful, does not address the woman's emotional distress and fears. D: Incorrect. While the response did minimize the patient

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because stopping insulin when blood sugar is normal can lead to hyperglycemia. A: Monitoring blood sugar is essential for diabetes management. C: Eating balanced diet and exercising help control blood sugar levels. D: Avoiding sugary foods is important to manage blood sugar.