The nurse is teaching a patient with COPD about smoking cessation. Which statement indicates the need for further teaching?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is B) "It's too late to quit smoking since I already have lung damage." This statement indicates a misunderstanding of the benefits of smoking cessation and the body's ability to heal. It is crucial to address this misconception as quitting smoking at any stage can still significantly improve lung function and overall health outcomes. Option A) "I will use nicotine patches to help me quit." is a positive step towards smoking cessation and shows the patient's willingness to seek help in quitting, indicating an understanding of the process. Option C) "Quitting smoking will improve my overall lung function." is a correct statement that demonstrates an understanding of the benefits of smoking cessation on lung health. Option D) "I will set a quit date and stick to it." is a proactive approach towards quitting smoking, showing readiness and commitment to the cessation process. In an educational context, it is essential to emphasize to patients with COPD that quitting smoking is beneficial at any stage and can lead to improved lung function and quality of life. Addressing misconceptions and providing accurate information is key to supporting patients in their smoking cessation journey and overall management of COPD.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Chronic hypoxia. Clubbing of the fingers, also known as digital clubbing, is a physical sign often associated with chronic hypoxia, which is a common complication in patients with chronic bronchitis. When the body is chronically deprived of oxygen, it can lead to changes in the tissues of the fingers, resulting in clubbing. Option B) Pulmonary embolism is incorrect in this case because clubbing of the fingers is not typically associated with this condition. Pulmonary embolism is a sudden blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, usually caused by a blood clot. Option C) Pneumothorax is also an incorrect choice as clubbing of the fingers is not a typical symptom of this condition. Pneumothorax is characterized by the presence of air in the pleural space, leading to lung collapse. Option D) Asthma exacerbation is not the correct answer because clubbing of the fingers is not a common manifestation of an asthma exacerbation. Asthma exacerbations are typically associated with wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing. Educationally, understanding the correlation between clubbing of the fingers and chronic hypoxia in patients with chronic bronchitis is crucial for nurses assessing respiratory conditions. Recognizing this physical sign can aid in early identification of oxygenation issues and prompt intervention to improve patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Take this medication twice daily as prescribed. Rationale: This is the most important teaching point because salmeterol is a long-acting beta agonist used for maintenance treatment of asthma, not for acute asthma attacks. Taking the medication as prescribed ensures optimal control of asthma symptoms and decreases the risk of exacerbations. Consistent dosing is crucial for the medication to be effective in managing asthma. Option A) Use the inhaler during an acute asthma attack is incorrect because salmeterol is not a rescue inhaler and should not be used for immediate relief during an asthma attack. Using it during an acute attack can be dangerous as it does not provide quick relief. Option C) Rinse your mouth after each use to prevent infections is important for corticosteroid inhalers, not for salmeterol. Salmeterol is a long-acting bronchodilator and does not typically cause oral infections. Option D) Shake the inhaler before each use is incorrect for salmeterol as it is not a requirement for this type of inhaler. Shaking the inhaler before use is typically necessary for metered-dose inhalers containing corticosteroids to ensure proper medication dispersion. Educational Context: This question highlights the importance of understanding the specific instructions for different asthma medications. Educating patients about their prescribed medications is essential for effective asthma management and improving patient outcomes. It is crucial for nurses to provide accurate information to patients to ensure they use their medications correctly and achieve optimal control of their asthma.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Assess for allergy to shellfish. Before a spiral CT scan, the nurse must prioritize assessing for shellfish allergy because the contrast dye used in the scan may contain iodine, a common allergen found in shellfish. An undiagnosed shellfish allergy could lead to a severe allergic reaction during the scan, jeopardizing the patient's safety. Option A) Ensure the patient has been NPO for 6 hours is incorrect as it pertains to fasting before procedures involving sedation, not specifically related to a CT scan. Option C) Check the patient's blood glucose levels is incorrect as it is not directly relevant to preparing for a CT scan and does not address the immediate safety concern of potential contrast dye allergy. Option D) Monitor the patient's oxygen saturation is incorrect as it is important but not the priority before the CT scan. Assessing for an allergy to shellfish takes precedence for patient safety. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind prioritizing assessments before procedures is crucial for nurses to provide safe and effective care. This scenario highlights the importance of thorough patient assessments and knowledge of potential risks associated with diagnostic procedures, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to patient care.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take first in this scenario is option A, which is to administer prescribed pain medication. Pain management is crucial in post-operative care, especially in patients recovering from a thoracotomy. Severe pain can lead to physiological responses such as shallow breathing, which can compromise oxygenation. By addressing the pain promptly, the nurse can help the patient achieve adequate ventilation and oxygenation, promoting better recovery outcomes. Option B, assisting the patient with deep breathing exercises, is important for promoting lung expansion and preventing atelectasis. However, in this case, addressing the severe pain takes precedence as it can hinder the patient's ability to effectively participate in deep breathing exercises. Encouraging the use of the incentive spirometer, option C, is beneficial for improving lung function and preventing complications like pneumonia. However, if the patient is in severe pain, they may not be able to effectively utilize the spirometer due to discomfort. Repositioning the patient to relieve discomfort, option D, is a good nursing intervention for comfort. Still, in this situation, addressing the pain with medication is the priority to ensure the patient's overall well-being and ability to participate in other essential interventions for optimal oxygenation. In an educational context, this question highlights the importance of prioritizing nursing interventions based on the patient's immediate needs. It emphasizes the significance of pain management in post-operative care and the impact it can have on oxygenation and overall patient outcomes.