A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who is complaining of shortness of breath. What is the priority action?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increase the oxygen flow rate. In COPD patients experiencing shortness of breath, ensuring adequate oxygenation is crucial. Step 1: Assess the patient's oxygen saturation levels. Step 2: If oxygen saturation is low, increasing the oxygen flow rate will help improve oxygenation. Step 3: Monitor the patient's response to the increased oxygen flow rate. Administering a nebulized bronchodilator (B) may also be beneficial but addressing hypoxemia is the priority. Monitoring respiratory status (C) is important but not the immediate action. Administering oxygen therapy (D) is vague and less specific than increasing oxygen flow rate.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer aspirin. Aspirin is indicated as a priority action for a patient exhibiting facial drooping, as it may suggest the patient is experiencing a potential stroke. Aspirin helps prevent blood clot formation, which is crucial in ischemic strokes. Immediate administration of aspirin can help reduce the risk of further clot formation and minimize potential brain damage. Administering nitroglycerin (choice B) is not appropriate for stroke management. Short-acting bronchodilators (choice C) are not relevant to the patient's presentation. Administering antibiotics (choice D) is not indicated unless there is a specific infection present.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Bilateral basilar crackles suggest pulmonary edema or infection, requiring urgent action in an older patient.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Suctioning is within the LPN/LVN scope when directed, unlike assessment or teaching.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Smoking cessation is the most effective way to prevent further lung damage and reduce cancer risk in a long-term smoker.