Mrs. Mercurio has never been a smoker but has had long-term exposure to secondhand smoke. How does secondhand smoke contribute to lung diseases in adults and children?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Secondhand smoke can contribute to lung diseases in adults and children through various mechanisms. Firstly, it can increase mucus production, leading to airway obstruction and difficulty breathing. Secondly, it can cause developmental delays in children due to the harmful effects on their respiratory and overall health. Lastly, it impairs epithelium maturation, affecting the lining of the respiratory tract and making individuals more susceptible to infections and respiratory diseases. Therefore, all of the above choices are correct in explaining how secondhand smoke contributes to lung diseases.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Assess for signs of hypoglycemia. This is the first step because hypoglycemia can mimic stroke symptoms and must be ruled out before proceeding with any other assessments or interventions. Treating hypoglycemia promptly is crucial to prevent further complications. Assessing the patient's neurological status (choice A) and performing a neurological exam (choice B) can be done after ruling out hypoglycemia. Administering thrombolytic therapy (choice D) is not appropriate without a proper assessment and diagnosis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer a bronchodilator. In an exacerbation of COPD, the priority is to improve airflow by dilating the airways, which bronchodilators accomplish. This intervention helps relieve symptoms and improve oxygenation. Administering IV steroids (B) may be beneficial in severe cases, but bronchodilators are the initial priority. Monitoring blood pressure (C) is important but not the priority in this situation. Encouraging deep breathing exercises (D) is generally beneficial for COPD patients but may not be appropriate during an exacerbation when the focus is on immediate symptom relief.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Notify the healthcare provider. The symptoms described suggest signs of infection at the surgical site, which requires immediate attention by the healthcare provider. In this situation, the nurse should prioritize notifying the healthcare provider to ensure prompt assessment and appropriate intervention. Checking the patient's temperature (choice A) may provide additional information but does not address the immediate need for intervention. Administering pain medication (choice C) may temporarily alleviate symptoms but does not address the underlying issue of infection. Performing a neurological exam (choice D) is not indicated based on the symptoms described.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer oxygen therapy. The priority action is to address the patient's shortness of breath, which could indicate decreased oxygenation. Administering oxygen therapy helps improve oxygen levels and alleviate respiratory distress. IV fluids (B) are not indicated unless the patient is hypovolemic. Pain relief (C) is important but not the priority in this case. Administering thrombolytics (D) may be appropriate for an MI but is not the immediate priority when the patient is experiencing shortness of breath.