A patient presents with symptoms of a pulmonary embolism. What is the nurse's initial action?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct initial action for a patient with suspected pulmonary embolism is to elevate the head of the bed and apply oxygen (Choice B). Elevating the head of the bed helps improve oxygenation and reduces the workload on the heart. Providing oxygen is crucial to ensure adequate oxygen supply to the tissues. Administering anticoagulants (Choice A) should come after stabilizing the patient. Preparing for a chest x-ray (Choice C) is important but not the immediate action. Placing the patient in a supine position (Choice D) can worsen the condition by reducing blood flow to the heart.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct interpretation is B: Metabolic acidosis. The low pH indicates acidosis. The low HCO3- level (<22 mEq/L) indicates a primary metabolic acidosis. The PaCO2 level is not elevated, ruling out respiratory compensation. Choice A is incorrect because the primary disturbance is metabolic, not respiratory alkalosis. Choice C is incorrect as it suggests both acidosis and alkalosis, which is not the case. Choice D is incorrect because the PaCO2 is not elevated, ruling out respiratory acidosis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Respiratory acidosis. The pH is below the normal range (7.35-7.45), indicating acidosis. The PaCO2 is elevated (normal range 35-45 mm Hg), suggesting respiratory acidosis. The HCO3 is within the normal range, indicating that compensation has not occurred. This scenario is consistent with uncompensated respiratory acidosis. A: Metabolic alkalosis - Incorrect. HCO3 is within the normal range, not elevated as seen in metabolic alkalosis. C: Compensated respiratory acidosis - Incorrect. The HCO3 is not elevated, indicating incomplete compensation. D: Uncompensated metabolic acidosis - Incorrect. The PaCO2 is elevated, indicating a respiratory issue rather than a metabolic one.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because eating smaller, more frequent meals can help reduce the feeling of breathlessness in COPD patients by avoiding large meals that may put pressure on the diaphragm. This approach can also help maintain energy levels and prevent overeating, which can lead to bloating and increased pressure on the lungs. A is incorrect because limiting physical activity can worsen COPD symptoms by leading to muscle weakness and reduced exercise tolerance. B is incorrect because using a rescue inhaler before every meal is not a standard COPD management practice and may lead to overuse of the medication. D is incorrect because adjusting oxygen flow rate without medical guidance can be dangerous and may result in oxygen levels being too high or too low, which can be harmful to the patient.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, encouraging increased fluid intake. This is the priority because it helps to thin and loosen respiratory secretions, making it easier for the patient to cough them up. Adequate hydration also helps to prevent dehydration, which can worsen symptoms. Administering an antitussive (choice A) is not recommended for nonproductive cough as it can suppress the cough reflex and impede clearing of secretions. Teaching about inhaler use (choice C) is important but not the priority in this case. Providing humidified oxygen therapy (choice D) may be necessary in severe cases but is not the priority over addressing hydration.