A patient is admitted with an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). What is the priority intervention?

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: 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.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer bronchodilators. Bronchodilators help to open the airways quickly, providing immediate relief for the patient's shortness of breath in an acute asthma attack. This intervention addresses the patient's current distress and helps improve oxygenation. Administering corticosteroids (choice B) is important for long-term management but not the priority in an acute situation. Monitoring vital signs (choice C) is essential but not the immediate priority when the patient is in respiratory distress. Administering insulin (choice D) is not indicated for asthma and would not address the patient's shortness of breath.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer, D, is appropriate for delegation to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) because measuring induration at the site of an intradermal skin test is a task that is simple, non-invasive, and within the UAP scope of practice. It does not require specialized knowledge or interpretation, making it suitable for delegation. Option A, listening to a patient's lung sounds for wheezes or crackles, involves a higher level of skill and interpretation that should be done by a licensed healthcare provider. Option B, labeling specimens obtained during percutaneous lung biopsy, requires precision and accuracy to ensure proper specimen handling, which is beyond the scope of a UAP's responsibilities. Option C, instructing a patient about how to use home spirometry testing, involves patient education and requires a healthcare provider's expertise to ensure accurate instruction and understanding. In an educational context, understanding the delegation of tasks is crucial for providing safe and effective patient care. Nurses must be able to differentiate between tasks that can be delegated to UAPs and those that require the expertise of licensed healthcare providers. This knowledge ensures that patient care is delivered efficiently while maintaining quality and safety standards.