You are treating a COPD patient for mild shortness of breath when you note the presence of pursed lips and sighing-type respirations at 26/minute. Why would the patient present with pursed lips and frequent sighing?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To prevent atelectasis from occurring at the end of exhalation. Pursed lips and sighing-type respirations help create positive pressure in the airways, preventing collapse of small airways and maintaining lung inflation. Pursed lips prolong exhalation, which helps keep airways open, reducing the risk of atelectasis. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because pursed lips and sighing-type respirations do not directly relate to expelling foreign bodies, preventing pleural friction rub, or increasing the size of air sacs in the lungs.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Urinary output. Urinary output is the most reliable guide to volume replacement during resuscitation because it directly reflects the perfusion of vital organs and the body's ability to eliminate excess fluid. Adequate urinary output indicates effective fluid resuscitation, while decreased urinary output may indicate inadequate perfusion and the need for further volume replacement. Monitoring urinary output helps ensure appropriate fluid balance and prevents complications such as fluid overload or organ damage. Other choices are not as reliable for volume replacement guidance: A: Heart rate can be influenced by various factors such as pain, stress, medications, and underlying medical conditions. B: Hematocrit reflects the concentration of red blood cells in the blood, which may not accurately reflect volume status during resuscitation. C: Blood pressure can be affected by many factors such as medications, pain, and underlying conditions, making it less reliable as a sole guide for volume replacement.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Rewarm. The priority for a burn victim with a core temperature of 34°C is to rewarm the body to prevent hypothermia, which can worsen the patient's condition. Escharotomy is a surgical procedure to relieve pressure from burns, not related to temperature. Oxygen mask may be needed but warming is the immediate concern. IV narcotics are not indicated for hypothermia.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Tilt head and lift chin. This is the simplest and most effective way to open the airway in an unconscious patient. By tilting the head back and lifting the chin, the tongue is pulled away from the back of the throat, preventing obstruction and allowing for easier breathing. This maneuver helps to maintain a clear airway and facilitates better airflow to the lungs. Other choices are incorrect because: A: "Pull out the tongue" can be dangerous and may cause further obstruction. C: Lifting the neck from behind does not directly address airway obstruction. D: Jaw thrust is a technique used for patients with suspected spinal injuries, not the simplest method for airway management in an unconscious patient.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Control of hemorrhage. Managing hemorrhage is essential to prevent shock and ensure adequate perfusion to the affected limb. This step is crucial in stabilizing the patient's condition before addressing other priorities. A: Reduction of pain, while important, is not the primary concern in the acute phase of a long bone fracture. B: Prevention of infection is important, but not the immediate priority. C: Prevention of further soft tissue injury is also crucial, but controlling hemorrhage takes precedence to prevent life-threatening complications.