Which information will the nurse include in the asthma teaching plan for a patient being discharged?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Inhaled corticosteroids are for maintenance, not rescue (A is wrong). Holding breath for 5 seconds is too short (10 seconds is standard, C is wrong). DPI requires slow, deep inhalation (B is correct but not the best answer here). Tremors are a known side effect of bronchodilators like albuterol (D is correct).

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The upright position with the arms supported increases lung expansion, allows fluid to collect at the lung bases, and expands the intercostal space so that access to the pleural space is easier. The other positions would increase the work of breathing for the patient and make it more difficult for the health care provider performing the thoracentesis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of teaching about nasal decongestant sprays, it is crucial for nurses to emphasize the importance of limiting the use of these sprays to no more than 3 days. The correct answer, option B, is the most appropriate because prolonged use of nasal decongestant sprays can lead to rebound vasodilation and congestion, worsening the initial issue. Educating patients about this time limit is essential to prevent potential harm and ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes. Option A, using nasal decongestant sprays for 7 days, is incorrect because this duration exceeds the recommended time frame and increases the risk of rebound congestion. Option C, stating that nasal decongestant sprays are safe for long-term use, is also incorrect and potentially harmful due to the risk of rebound effects. Option D, using nasal decongestant sprays with antihistamines, is not directly related to the clarification needed about the duration of use. In an educational context, this question highlights the significance of providing accurate and up-to-date information to patients regarding the appropriate use of medications. Nurses play a crucial role in patient education, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health and medication management. By clarifying the correct duration of use for nasal decongestant sprays, nurses can help prevent adverse effects and promote safe and effective self-care practices among patients.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer for the question about appropriate patient education after discharge for pneumonia is option B: Expect fatigue for several weeks. This is the correct answer because it is important for patients to understand that recovery from pneumonia can be a slow process and it is normal to experience fatigue for an extended period of time. Educating patients about the expected fatigue helps manage their expectations and reduces anxiety during the recovery process. Option A (Stop coughing and deep breathing) is incorrect because coughing and deep breathing exercises are actually beneficial for patients with pneumonia as they help to clear secretions from the lungs and improve lung function. Encouraging patients to continue these activities is essential for their recovery. Option C (Pneumococcal and influenza vaccines cannot be given together) is incorrect as both vaccines can be administered concurrently, either in separate arms or at different sites. It is important for patients to receive these vaccinations to prevent future respiratory infections. Option D (No follow-up chest x-ray is needed) is incorrect because a follow-up chest x-ray is typically recommended 6 to 8 weeks after discharge to assess the resolution of pneumonia and ensure that there are no complications. This follow-up is crucial for monitoring the patient's progress and adjusting treatment if necessary. In an educational context, it is important for nursing students to understand the rationale behind patient education after discharge for pneumonia to provide comprehensive care. By explaining the correct and incorrect options, students can develop a deeper understanding of the importance of post-discharge instructions in promoting patient recovery and preventing complications. This knowledge will help students become competent nurses who can effectively educate and support patients with pneumonia throughout their recovery process.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of managing Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (IPAH), the correct answer to the question is option C) Medication was effective. Exertional dyspnea is a key symptom of IPAH, resulting from increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries leading to impaired oxygenation. When a patient with IPAH experiences an improvement in exertional dyspnea, it indicates that the medication prescribed to manage the condition has been effective in reducing the pulmonary arterial pressure and improving oxygenation. Option A) Blood pressure improved is incorrect because while blood pressure management is important in overall health, it is not directly related to the improvement of exertional dyspnea in the context of IPAH. Option B) Heart rate stabilized is also incorrect as heart rate stabilization may not directly correlate with the improvement in exertional dyspnea in IPAH. Option D) Chest x-ray cleared is incorrect because clear chest x-ray findings do not necessarily indicate an improvement in exertional dyspnea; the symptoms and functional status of the patient are more relevant indicators of treatment efficacy in IPAH. Educationally, it is important for nursing students to understand the significance of symptom improvement in assessing the effectiveness of pharmacological interventions in managing chronic conditions like IPAH. By recognizing the relationship between symptom improvement and treatment efficacy, nurses can provide better patient care through accurate assessment and monitoring of treatment outcomes. This rationale highlights the importance of clinical judgment, symptom assessment, and understanding the pathophysiology of IPAH in nursing practice.