a client with a tracheostomy is exhibiting signs of respiratory distress what should the nurse do first

ATI LPN

PN ATI Comprehensive Predictor

1. A client with a tracheostomy is exhibiting signs of respiratory distress. What should the nurse do first?

A. Notify the healthcare provider
B. Suction the tracheostomy
C. Administer a bronchodilator
D. Increase the oxygen flow rate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client with a tracheostomy is experiencing respiratory distress, the priority action is to suction the tracheostomy to clear the airway and improve breathing. This helps remove secretions or blockages that may be causing the distress. Notifying the healthcare provider (Choice A) can be done after ensuring immediate airway clearance. Administering a bronchodilator (Choice C) would not address the primary issue of airway clearance in a tracheostomy patient. Increasing the oxygen flow rate (Choice D) may be necessary but should come after ensuring the airway is clear.

2. What are the risk factors for developing hypertension?

A. High sodium diet and lack of physical activity
B. Low potassium intake and excessive alcohol consumption
C. Frequent exercise and low cholesterol diet
D. Smoking and family history

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: High sodium diet and lack of physical activity. These are established risk factors for developing hypertension as they contribute to elevated blood pressure. Choice B, low potassium intake and excessive alcohol consumption, may also impact blood pressure but are not as strongly associated with hypertension as high sodium intake and lack of physical activity. Choice C, frequent exercise and a low cholesterol diet, are actually beneficial for reducing the risk of hypertension. Choice D, smoking and family history, are more closely linked to other health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, rather than being primary risk factors for hypertension.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 hours postoperative following an appendectomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

A. Urine output of 20 mL/hr.
B. Temperature of 36.5°C (97.7°F).
C. Sanguineous drainage on the surgical dressing.
D. WBC count of 9,000/mm3.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Urine output of 20 mL/hr. A urine output less than 30 mL/hr can indicate decreased renal perfusion, potentially due to hypovolemia or other issues, and should be reported to the provider. B: A temperature of 36.5°C (97.7°F) falls within the normal range and does not require immediate reporting. C: Sanguineous drainage on the surgical dressing is expected in the early postoperative period and should be monitored but does not need immediate reporting unless excessive. D: A WBC count of 9,000/mm3 is within the normal range and does not indicate an immediate concern.

4. What are the early signs of heart failure in a patient?

A. Shortness of breath and weight gain
B. Fatigue and chest pain
C. Nausea and vomiting
D. Cough and elevated blood pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Shortness of breath and weight gain. Early signs of heart failure typically manifest as shortness of breath due to fluid accumulation in the lungs and weight gain due to fluid retention in the body. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Fatigue and chest pain are symptoms commonly associated with heart conditions but are not specific early signs of heart failure. Nausea and vomiting are not typically early signs of heart failure. Cough can be a symptom of heart failure, but it is usually associated with other symptoms like shortness of breath rather than being an isolated early sign. Elevated blood pressure is not an early sign of heart failure; in fact, heart failure is more commonly associated with low blood pressure.

5. What are key signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI) in older adults?

A. Confusion and increased temperature
B. Painful urination and frequent urination
C. Dizziness and headache
D. Back pain and fever

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. In older adults, key signs of a UTI often include confusion and increased temperature. Confusion is a common symptom in the elderly when they have a UTI, and an increase in body temperature can indicate an infection. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while painful urination and frequent urination are common UTI symptoms in general, they may not be as prominent in older adults. Dizziness, headache, back pain, and fever can be associated with other conditions but are not typically key signs of a UTI in older adults.