For Mr. Jones’ persistent productive cough, what nursing action would be most appropriate?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of pharmacology and nursing care, the most appropriate nursing action for Mr. Jones' persistent productive cough would be to increase intake of warm liquids (Option A). This is because warm liquids can help soothe the throat and facilitate the loosening of mucus, making it easier for Mr. Jones to expectorate and alleviate his cough. Option B, administering narcotic cough medication, is not the most appropriate initial nursing action for a productive cough, as it may suppress the cough reflex and hinder the body's natural mechanism of clearing the airways of mucus. Monitoring the amount of sputum produced each day (Option C) is relevant in assessing the effectiveness of interventions, but it is not the most immediate nursing action to address Mr. Jones' current symptom of a persistent productive cough. Placing the patient on strict bed rest (Option D) may not directly address the cough itself and could potentially lead to complications such as pneumonia or deconditioning. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind selecting the most appropriate nursing action for a specific symptom like a persistent productive cough is essential for providing safe and effective patient care. Nurses need to prioritize interventions based on evidence-based practices to promote optimal patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the context of pharmacology, understanding the principles of respiratory care and the use of suction devices is crucial for nursing practice. In this scenario, the correct answer is D) The patient's lung has reexpanded. When there is no bubbling in the suction control chamber, it indicates that the negative pressure is not being generated, which in turn suggests that the lung has reexpanded and there is no air leak or obstruction in the system. Option A) Excessive negative pressure (suction) is incorrect because if there was excessive negative pressure, it would likely cause bubbling in the suction control chamber, not the absence of bubbling. Option B) A leak somewhere in the drainage system, as within the patient, is incorrect as well because a leak would lead to air bubbling in the chamber. Option C) A kink or plug in the drainage tubing is also incorrect as it would obstruct the flow and possibly cause bubbling. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of understanding the principles of chest tube management and how to interpret the findings in the suction control chamber. It emphasizes the need for nurses to be able to assess and troubleshoot issues related to chest tubes and drainage systems to ensure optimal patient care.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The most important initial nursing action for Ms. Jenkins with pneumococcal pneumonia is option A) Administer humidified oxygen, as ordered. This is the correct answer because in pneumococcal pneumonia, there is inflammation and consolidation of lung tissue, leading to impaired gas exchange. Administering humidified oxygen helps improve oxygenation and alleviate respiratory distress, which is crucial in managing pneumonia. Option B) Obtain an order for aspirin is incorrect because aspirin is not a primary treatment for pneumococcal pneumonia. Antibiotics and supportive therapy are the mainstay of treatment. Option C) Auscultate the posterior basal segments for rales and rhonchi is important in assessing lung sounds in pneumonia but administering oxygen takes precedence as it directly addresses the impaired gas exchange. Option D) Explain the diagnosis to the patient is important for patient education but should not be the initial action in a patient with acute pneumonia where immediate interventions are needed to stabilize the patient's condition. In an educational context, understanding the priorities in managing respiratory conditions like pneumonia is crucial for nurses. Administering oxygen promptly can be life-saving in patients with compromised respiratory function, emphasizing the importance of timely and appropriate interventions in acute care settings.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In pharmacology, understanding respiratory assessment findings is crucial for providing safe and effective patient care. In the context of auscultating Mr. Puff's chest, the correct answer is C) Decreased vesicular breath sounds with prolonged expiration. This finding indicates conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) where air movement is limited, leading to decreased vesicular sounds and prolonged expiration due to air trapping. Option A) Absent breath sounds would typically suggest a more severe issue like pneumothorax or complete airway obstruction, which is not indicated in this scenario. Option B) Bronchial breath sounds with rales are associated with conditions like pneumonia, not commonly found in COPD. Option D) Normal breath sounds with prolonged inspiration would not be expected in a patient with COPD due to the characteristic changes in lung function associated with this condition. Educationally, this rationale highlights the importance of correlating assessment findings with underlying pathophysiology to accurately interpret auscultation findings. By understanding the nuances of breath sounds in various respiratory conditions, pharmacology students can better differentiate between normal and abnormal findings, leading to improved patient outcomes through timely interventions and treatment strategies.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of pharmacology and respiratory health, pursed-lip breathing is a technique used to improve breathing patterns and manage conditions like COPD. Option B, which states "Breathe in through the nose and slowly exhale through pursed lips," is the correct description of pursed-lip breathing. This technique helps to keep airways open longer, prevents air trapping, and improves oxygen exchange. Option A, where one breathes in to the count of 4 and out to the count of 2 while pursing lips, does not accurately describe pursed-lip breathing. This pattern does not promote the same benefits as the correct technique. Option C, which involves placing one hand on the abdomen and the other on the chest while inhaling through pursed lips and exerting pressure on inspiration, is incorrect. This description does not align with the principles of pursed-lip breathing and may lead to ineffective breathing patterns. Option D, which suggests taking in a deep breath through pursed lips and releasing one-third of it, does not match the correct technique. This pattern does not facilitate the prolonged exhalation and airway pressure regulation characteristic of pursed-lip breathing. In an educational setting, understanding and practicing proper breathing techniques like pursed-lip breathing is crucial for patients with respiratory conditions. By mastering this technique, individuals can enhance their lung function, reduce shortness of breath, and improve overall respiratory efficiency. Educating patients on correct breathing methods empowers them to better manage their respiratory health and enhance their quality of life.