A patient reports a chronic cough with thick, green sputum production. Which condition does this suggest?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The presence of thick, green sputum suggests an infection with bacteria. Pneumonia is characterized by an infection in the lungs leading to sputum production. This aligns with the patient's chronic cough and sputum color. Bronchitis typically presents with clear or white sputum. Tuberculosis usually causes bloody or yellowish sputum. Pulmonary embolism does not typically cause sputum production. Therefore, option C, pneumonia, is the most likely condition based on the symptoms described.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increase the patient's fluid intake. Thick pulmonary secretions can be effectively thinned out by increasing hydration, making it easier for the patient to clear the secretions through coughing and expectoration. This intervention helps to improve lung function and prevent complications such as respiratory infections. Postural drainage and percussion (Choice A) are interventions for mobilizing secretions in specific lung segments but may not address the underlying issue of thick secretions. Administering bronchodilators (Choice C) is appropriate for conditions like asthma or COPD but not directly for thick secretions. Encouraging the use of a peak flow meter (Choice D) is helpful for monitoring lung function but does not directly address the thickness of pulmonary secretions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct first action is to assess oxygen saturation (Choice B) to determine the patient's respiratory status. This step is crucial in identifying if the patient is hypoxic, which could be life-threatening. Encouraging deep breathing (Choice A) may worsen dyspnea if there is an underlying respiratory compromise. Notifying the healthcare provider (Choice C) should come after assessing the oxygen saturation. Positioning the patient in high Fowler's (Choice D) may provide comfort but does not address the immediate need to assess oxygen saturation for appropriate intervention.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Oxygen saturation of 85% on room air. A low oxygen saturation level indicates hypoxemia, which can be life-threatening in patients with COPD. Immediate intervention is needed to improve oxygenation. Option B is related to barrel chest, common in COPD but not an immediate concern. Option C indicates an infection which may require treatment but not immediate intervention. Option D is within normal range and does not indicate an urgent need for intervention.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct position for a thoracentesis is sitting upright leaning over a table. This position allows for better expansion of the lung and easier access to the pleural space. Gravity helps the pleural fluid accumulate at the base of the lung, making the procedure safer and more successful. Supine position (A) may not allow proper access to the pleural space. Prone position (C) is not ideal as it can hinder lung expansion. Lying on the unaffected side (D) can also impede lung expansion and fluid accumulation at the desired site.