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

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Providing supplemental oxygen. In COPD, patients often have difficulty breathing due to impaired lung function. Supplemental oxygen helps improve oxygenation and relieves respiratory distress. Prioritizing this intervention is crucial for managing COPD exacerbations and preventing complications. Administering diuretics (A) may be indicated for comorbid conditions like heart failure but is not a priority in managing COPD. Increasing fluid intake (C) may not directly address the patient's respiratory distress. Encouraging bed rest (D) may lead to deconditioning and worsen respiratory function in COPD patients.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. This statement indicates a misunderstanding because stopping medication once blood pressure is normal can lead to a relapse of hypertension. Step 1: Medication management is crucial for long-term control of hypertension. Step 2: Stopping medication abruptly can cause blood pressure to rise again. Step 3: Regular monitoring, limiting sodium intake, and exercising are all important aspects of hypertension management. Summary: Choices A, B, and D demonstrate good understanding of hypertension management, while choice C shows a need for further education on the importance of continued medication use.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administering antihypertensive medication as prescribed. This is the priority intervention because it directly addresses the patient's hypertension, which is a critical condition that needs immediate management to prevent complications. Encouraging weight loss (B), monitoring blood pressure (C), and promoting a low-sodium diet (D) are all important aspects of managing hypertension. However, administering antihypertensive medication takes precedence as it directly targets lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events. Weight loss, monitoring, and dietary changes are important for long-term management but may not provide immediate control of hypertension compared to medication.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Increasing salt intake. Salt intake can worsen hypertension by causing water retention and increasing blood pressure. Limiting caffeine intake (A) and increasing physical activity (D) are beneficial for managing hypertension. Consuming more fruits and vegetables (B) is also recommended as they are part of a healthy diet that can help lower blood pressure. Overall, educating the patient to avoid increasing salt intake is crucial in managing hypertension effectively.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: "I should smoke to relieve stress and manage symptoms." This statement indicates a need for further education because smoking can worsen asthma symptoms. Here's the rationale: 1. Smoking is a common trigger for asthma exacerbations due to irritants in tobacco smoke. 2. Smoking can lead to airway inflammation and constriction, making asthma symptoms more severe. 3. Asthma management involves avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke exposure. 4. Choices A, B, and D are correct as they align with asthma management guidelines to avoid triggers and use inhalers as prescribed.