A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). What is the priority nursing intervention?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a patient with COPD is to encourage the patient to rest (Choice C). This is because in COPD, the patient often experiences difficulty breathing, leading to increased work of breathing and fatigue. Rest allows the patient to conserve energy, reduce oxygen demand, and prevent exacerbation of symptoms. Encouraging deep breathing exercises (Choice A) may be beneficial for lung expansion but can also increase the work of breathing and lead to fatigue. While fluid intake (Choice B) is important for overall health, it is not the priority in managing acute COPD exacerbation. Using a peak flow meter (Choice D) is more relevant for monitoring asthma rather than COPD. Thus, the correct answer is C as it addresses the immediate need to reduce the patient's respiratory workload and promote recovery.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer a bronchodilator. In an exacerbation of COPD, the priority is to improve airflow by dilating the airways, which bronchodilators accomplish. This intervention helps relieve symptoms and improve oxygenation. Administering IV steroids (B) may be beneficial in severe cases, but bronchodilators are the initial priority. Monitoring blood pressure (C) is important but not the priority in this situation. Encouraging deep breathing exercises (D) is generally beneficial for COPD patients but may not be appropriate during an exacerbation when the focus is on immediate symptom relief.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Notify the healthcare provider. The symptoms described suggest signs of infection at the surgical site, which requires immediate attention by the healthcare provider. In this situation, the nurse should prioritize notifying the healthcare provider to ensure prompt assessment and appropriate intervention. Checking the patient's temperature (choice A) may provide additional information but does not address the immediate need for intervention. Administering pain medication (choice C) may temporarily alleviate symptoms but does not address the underlying issue of infection. Performing a neurological exam (choice D) is not indicated based on the symptoms described.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer oxygen therapy. The priority action is to address the patient's shortness of breath, which could indicate decreased oxygenation. Administering oxygen therapy helps improve oxygen levels and alleviate respiratory distress. IV fluids (B) are not indicated unless the patient is hypovolemic. Pain relief (C) is important but not the priority in this case. Administering thrombolytics (D) may be appropriate for an MI but is not the immediate priority when the patient is experiencing shortness of breath.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer pain relief. The priority action is to address the patient's immediate need, which is pain control to ensure comfort and promote recovery. Administering pain relief is crucial for patient well-being post-surgery. Choice B is incorrect as a bronchodilator is not indicated for pain management. Choice C is also incorrect as monitoring blood glucose levels is not the priority for a patient complaining of pain post-surgery. Choice D is a duplicate answer and does not provide any additional information.