A patient with a history of pulmonary edema is admitted with shortness of breath. What is the nurse's priority action?

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Chapter 41 Oxygenation NCLEX Questions Questions

Question 1 of 5

A patient with a history of pulmonary edema is admitted with shortness of breath. What is the nurse's priority action?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Place the patient in a high Fowler's position. This is the priority action because it helps improve oxygenation by reducing pressure on the diaphragm and increasing lung expansion. Elevating the head of the bed also helps decrease the workload of the heart and improves ventilation. Administering diuretics (choice A) can be important but is not the immediate priority. Assessing lung sounds (choice B) is important but not the most critical action at this moment. Notifying the healthcare provider (choice D) can be done after the patient's immediate needs are addressed.

Question 2 of 5

The nurse is caring for a client with cystic fibrosis. Which intervention is the most effective in managing thick mucus secretions?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Providing chest physiotherapy. This intervention helps mobilize and clear thick mucus secretions in the lungs, improving breathing and preventing infections. Chest physiotherapy involves techniques like percussion and postural drainage to loosen and remove mucus. Encouraging a low-fat diet (choice A) is important for overall health but not directly related to managing mucus secretions. Administering pancreatic enzymes (choice B) is necessary for digestion in cystic fibrosis but does not address mucus clearance. Encouraging daily exercise (choice D) is beneficial for overall lung function but may not be as effective in managing thick mucus secretions as chest physiotherapy.

Question 3 of 5

A client with a tracheostomy is receiving humidified oxygen. What is the primary purpose of humidification?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To prevent drying of the respiratory mucosa. Humidification of oxygen helps maintain the moisture of the respiratory mucosa, preventing irritation and damage. Dry mucosa can lead to discomfort, increased risk of infection, and impaired mucociliary function. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because while promoting healing, enhancing oxygen delivery, and reducing infection risk are important considerations in tracheostomy care, the primary purpose of humidification in this scenario is to prevent mucosal drying.

Question 4 of 5

A client with asthma is using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) for the first time. Which instruction is most important?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hold your breath for 10 seconds after inhaling. This instruction is crucial as it allows the medication to reach deep into the lungs for better absorption and effectiveness. Holding the breath helps prevent the medication from being exhaled too soon. Choice A is incorrect as shaking the inhaler is not necessary for all types of MDIs. Choice B is not the most important instruction as exhaling completely is a general step for using inhalers but not the most critical. Choice D is incorrect as waiting between puffs allows for better absorption and prevents overdose.

Question 5 of 5

The nurse is teaching a client with cystic fibrosis about pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy. When should the client take the enzymes?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Before meals and snacks. This is because pancreatic enzymes need to be taken with food to aid in digestion. Taking enzymes before meals ensures they can mix with food in the stomach and help break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Option B (At bedtime only) is incorrect as enzymes should be taken with meals to be effective. Option C (On an empty stomach) is incorrect because enzymes need food to digest. Option D (Every 6 hours, regardless of meals) is incorrect as enzymes should be taken with each meal to optimize digestion.

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