The nurse is caring for a client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which dietary recommendation is most appropriate?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Eat small, frequent meals to reduce fatigue. For a client with COPD, consuming small, frequent meals helps reduce the energy expenditure required for digestion, thereby reducing fatigue. This approach also prevents overeating, which can lead to increased breathlessness. Option A is incorrect because high-carbohydrate meals may lead to excess energy intake and contribute to weight gain, which can exacerbate COPD symptoms. Option C is incorrect as protein is essential for muscle strength and repair, especially important for individuals with COPD who may experience muscle wasting. Option D is incorrect as there is no direct evidence linking dairy consumption to increased mucus production in individuals with COPD.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Immediate relief of bronchospasm. Short-acting beta-agonists like albuterol act quickly to dilate the airways, providing immediate relief of bronchospasm in COPD by relaxing the smooth muscles in the lungs. This effect helps improve airflow and alleviate symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing. Reduction in mucus production (choice A) is typically targeted by medications like mucolytics, not beta-agonists. Prevention of airway inflammation (choice C) is usually achieved with corticosteroids. Increased oxygen absorption in the lungs (choice D) is not a direct effect of short-acting beta-agonists.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Positioning the client in the prone position. Placing the client in the prone position can improve oxygenation by optimizing ventilation-perfusion matching and reducing the risk of ventilator-induced lung injury. This position helps to redistribute lung perfusion and improve ventilation in the dependent lung regions. It also helps to prevent atelectasis and promote better gas exchange. Administering high-flow oxygen via nasal cannula (A) may not be as effective in severe cases of ARDS. Performing frequent oral suctioning (C) can potentially worsen oxygenation by causing hypoxemia due to suction-induced atelectrauma. Increasing the respiratory rate on the ventilator (D) without addressing the underlying lung injury may not effectively improve oxygenation and can lead to further lung damage.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because during an acute situation like respiratory distress, the nurse should prioritize gathering specific information about the current episode to assess the severity and potential causes promptly. This allows for timely interventions and prevents further complications. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because: A - It is not appropriate to ask the patient to lie down immediately without gathering vital information first. C - Checking for allergies is important but not the priority in an acute situation. D - Delaying the physical assessment for pulmonary function tests can lead to a delay in providing necessary interventions.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Assist the patient to splint the chest when coughing. This action helps stabilize the chest wall, allowing better force generation during coughing to assist in clearing the airways. Restricting oral fluids (A) would not promote airway clearance. Teaching pursed-lip breathing (B) is beneficial for some respiratory conditions but not specifically for clearing thick sputum. Encouraging the patient to wear a nasal O2 cannula (D) is important for oxygenation but does not directly aid in airway clearance.