A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has poor gas exchange. Which action by the nurse would support the patient's ventilation?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Leaning forward opens the chest, improving ventilation in COPD patients with air trapping.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The increase in respiratory rate indicates respiratory distress and a need for rapid interventions such as administration of O2 or medications. The other findings are common chronic changes occurring in patients with COPD.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Oral or pharyngeal fungal infections are treated with nystatin solution. The goal of the 'swish and swallow' technique is to expose all of the oral mucosa to the antifungal agent. Warm liquids may be soothing to a sore throat, but this is not the priority.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Paradoxical chest movement indicates that the patient may have flail chest, which can severely compromise gas exchange and can rapidly lead to hypoxemia.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Fungal infections are not transmitted from person to person. Therefore no isolation procedures are necessary. The other actions by the new nurse are appropriate.