Before administering ephedrine, Nurse Tony assesses the patient's history. Because of ephedrine's central nervous system (CNS) effects, it is not recommended for:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Elderly patients. Ephedrine, a sympathomimetic amine, can exacerbate existing CNS conditions in elderly patients, leading to adverse effects like confusion, agitation, and increased risk of falls. Elderly patients are more sensitive to CNS stimulants due to age-related changes in drug metabolism and clearance, making them more susceptible to negative effects. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because patients with acute asthma attacks may benefit from ephedrine's bronchodilator effects, patients with narcolepsy may benefit from its stimulant properties, and age alone is not a contraindication for ephedrine use.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Venturi mask. The Venturi mask delivers a precise oxygen concentration by mixing oxygen with room air through different sized ports, allowing for accurate oxygen delivery. This is important for patients with COPD who require specific oxygen levels to prevent oxygen toxicity or hypoxemia. A: Face mask delivers a less precise oxygen concentration and may not be suitable for patients who require exact oxygen levels. C: Aerosol mask is used for delivering medications or humidified air, not for precise oxygen concentration. D: Tracheostomy collar is used for patients with a tracheostomy and is not typically used for delivering precise oxygen concentration in COPD.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Normal ABGs. In emphysema, the destruction of alveoli leads to impaired gas exchange, causing respiratory acidosis and hypoxemia. However, "Pink Puffers" maintain normal or slightly low CO2 levels (normal ABGs) due to persistent hyperventilation. This compensatory mechanism helps them maintain adequate oxygen levels despite damaged alveoli. Dyspnea (choice A) and barrel chest (choice B) are common in emphysema but do not specifically contribute to the "Pink Puffer" label. Thin body (choice C) is associated with another type of COPD, chronic bronchitis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: larynx. When you swallow, the epiglottis covers the opening to the larynx to prevent food or liquid from entering the airway and instead directs it towards the esophagus. The epiglottis acts as a protective mechanism to ensure that food goes down the correct pathway. Choices A (pharynx), B (esophagus), and D (bronchus) are incorrect because the epiglottis does not directly cover the opening to these structures during swallowing. The epiglottis specifically functions to protect the larynx and the airway during the swallowing process.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because oxygen moves from alveoli to the bloodstream by simple diffusion. This is due to the concentration gradient of oxygen being higher in the alveoli (where oxygen is inhaled) compared to the blood vessels surrounding the alveoli. Oxygen molecules move from an area of high concentration (alveoli) to an area of low concentration (bloodstream) to reach equilibrium. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the movement of oxygen in this context is primarily driven by passive diffusion, not by the activity of carbonic anhydrase, carbaminohemoglobin, or active transport.