A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of asthma. The nurse should monitor for which of the following signs of an asthma exacerbation?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increased wheezing and shortness of breath. During an asthma exacerbation, bronchial airways become inflamed and narrowed, leading to increased wheezing and shortness of breath. This is a classic sign of worsening asthma. Other choices are incorrect because: A) Decreased work of breathing is not expected in an asthma exacerbation as the patient usually struggles to breathe. C) Improved oxygen saturation is unlikely as airway obstruction can lead to decreased oxygen levels. D) Decreased sputum production is not a typical sign of asthma exacerbation; in fact, increased sputum production may occur due to airway inflammation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: Choice A is correct because using the inhaler at the onset of symptoms can help prevent the asthma attack from worsening. This early intervention can be crucial in managing asthma effectively. Waiting for symptoms to subside (Choice B) can be risky as it may delay necessary treatment. Using the inhaler preventively (Choice C) without symptoms is unnecessary and can lead to overuse. Not using the inhaler for mild symptoms (Choice D) can allow the condition to escalate. Thus, Choice A is the most appropriate response for managing an asthma attack effectively.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step 1: The patient has a history of hypertension and diabetes, putting them at risk for cardiovascular complications. Step 2: Among the choices, stroke is a common complication associated with uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes. Step 3: Monitoring for signs of stroke is crucial to prevent serious consequences in this patient population. Step 4: Hyperglycemia (A) is a common complication of diabetes, but it is not directly related to the patient's hypertension. Step 5: Hypokalemia (C) is an electrolyte imbalance that can occur in some conditions but is not as directly linked to the patient's history. Step 6: Hypoglycemia (D) is a potential complication in diabetic patients but is not as common as hyperglycemia and is not directly related to hypertension.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: 1. Regular blood glucose monitoring helps in understanding patterns and making informed decisions. 2. Adjusting insulin based on blood glucose levels is crucial for effective diabetes management. 3. This statement shows the patient's understanding of the need for personalized insulin adjustments. 4. It promotes self-management and proactive approach to blood sugar control. Summary: B: Stopping insulin abruptly can lead to dangerous complications. C: Skipping meals can disrupt blood sugar levels and is not recommended. D: Waiting for high blood sugar to use insulin can result in uncontrolled levels and complications.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer an antiemetic as prescribed. Administering an antiemetic helps alleviate nausea and vomiting, providing relief to the patient. This action is based on evidence-based practice and helps improve the patient's comfort and well-being. Offering clear fluids immediately (choice A) may exacerbate nausea. Waiting for the nausea to subside on its own (choice C) may prolong the patient's discomfort. Assessing vital signs (choice D) is important but may not directly address the immediate symptom of nausea.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Encouraging early ambulation to prevent complications. Early ambulation after abdominal surgery helps prevent postoperative complications like deep vein thrombosis and pneumonia. It promotes circulation, aids in bowel function, and reduces the risk of atelectasis. Encouraging the patient to move also helps with pain management and overall recovery. Choice A: Administering antiemetics as needed. While addressing nausea and vomiting is important, it is not the top priority in this case. Choice C: Providing wound care and dressing changes. Wound care is crucial, but ensuring early ambulation takes precedence to prevent complications. Choice D: Monitoring for signs of infection. While monitoring for infection is essential, promoting early ambulation is a proactive measure to prevent various complications and enhance recovery.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why answer A is correct: 1. Asking "How do you feel today?" directly addresses the patient's emotional state. 2. Assessing affect involves understanding the patient's emotional response or mood. 3. This open-ended question encourages the patient to express their feelings. 4. It allows the nurse to gain insight into the patient's emotional well-being. 5. Options B, C, and D focus on different aspects like memory, medication effectiveness, and functional ability, not directly related to assessing affect.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because shortness of breath and respiratory distress indicate a potentially life-threatening emergency requiring immediate intervention. This problem falls under the first-level priority as it addresses airway, breathing, and circulation, which are essential for survival. Choices A, B, and C are not first-level priorities as they do not pose an immediate threat to the patient's life or require urgent intervention. Postoperative pain, diabetes teaching, and a small foot laceration are important but can be addressed at a later time without immediate harm to the patient.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step 1: The review of systems is a systematic approach to assessing the patient's overall health. Step 2: It gathers information about symptoms across different body systems. Step 3: This information helps identify potential health risks and guide health promotion practices. Step 4: Choice B is correct as it aligns with the purpose of the review of systems. Summary: - Choice A is incorrect because it focuses on physical findings only, not the comprehensive assessment. - Choice C is incorrect as the review of systems is not primarily for teaching medical terms. - Choice D is incorrect as it does not provide enough information for diagnosing specific medical problems.