Nursing Elites

1. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD tells the nurse, 'I can feel the congestion in my lungs, and I certainly cough a lot, but I can't seem to bring anything up.' Which of the following actions should the nurse take to help this client with tenacious bronchial secretions?

• A. Maintaining a semi-Fowler's position as often as possible
• B. Administering oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min
• C. Helping the client select a low-salt diet
• D. Encouraging the client to drink 2 to 3 L of water daily

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Encouraging the client to drink 2 to 3 liters of water daily helps to thin bronchial secretions, making them easier to expectorate. This can assist the client in coughing up the tenacious secretions. Maintaining a semi-Fowler's position can aid in improving lung expansion but may not directly address the issue of clearing the secretions. Administering oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min can help improve oxygenation but does not specifically target the removal of bronchial secretions. Selecting a low-salt diet is important for overall health, but it does not directly address the client's immediate concern of clearing the bronchial secretions.

2. What question should a nurse ask a client who has an anteroposterior (AP) chest diameter equal to the lateral chest diameter?

• A. Are you taking any medications or herbal supplements?
• B. Do you have any chronic breathing problems?
• C. How often do you perform aerobic exercise?
• D. What is your occupation and what are your hobbies?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. A nurse should ask the client if they have any chronic breathing problems when the anteroposterior (AP) chest diameter is the same as the lateral chest diameter. This finding indicates a barrel chest, which can be associated with chronic respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema. Assessing for chronic breathing problems can help the nurse further evaluate the client's respiratory status and provide appropriate care.

3. A nursing student asks what essential hypertension is. What response by the registered nurse is best?

• A. It means it is caused by another disease.
• B. It means it is essential that it be treated.
• C. It is hypertension with no specific cause.
• D. It refers to severe and life-threatening hypertension.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Essential hypertension, also known as primary or idiopathic hypertension, is the most common type of hypertension. It has no specific underlying cause such as an associated disease process. In contrast, hypertension that is due to another disease is referred to as secondary hypertension. Malignant hypertension is a severe and life-threatening form of hypertension characterized by rapidly progressive blood pressure elevation and potential end-organ damage.

4. A student is practicing suctioning a tracheostomy in the skills laboratory. What action by the student demonstrates that more teaching is needed?

• A. Applying suction while withdrawing the catheter
• B. Preoxygenating the client before suctioning
• C. Suctioning up to three times if necessary
• D. Suctioning for a duration of 10 to 15 seconds each time

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct technique for suctioning a tracheostomy involves applying suction while withdrawing the catheter to avoid damaging the tracheal mucosa. Therefore, the student applying suction while inserting the catheter indicates a need for further teaching. Preoxygenating the client, suctioning up to three times if necessary, and limiting suctioning to 10 to 15 seconds each time are all appropriate actions in tracheostomy suctioning.

5. While assessing a client with pulmonary tuberculosis, which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Lethargy
• B. High-grade fever
• C. Weight gain
• D. Dry cough

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When assessing a client with pulmonary tuberculosis, the nurse should expect lethargy as a common finding. Tuberculosis can cause fatigue and weakness due to the body's efforts to fight the infection. High-grade fever is another common symptom of tuberculosis, not weight gain or dry cough. Weight loss is more typical in tuberculosis due to decreased appetite and systemic effects of the infection. A persistent productive cough with sputum is more characteristic of tuberculosis rather than a dry cough.

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