Nursing Elites

1. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD expresses difficulty in bringing up bronchial secretions. Which action should the nurse take to help the client with tenacious bronchial secretions?

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

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Encouraging the client to drink eight glasses of water daily is the most appropriate action to help with tenacious bronchial secretions in COPD. Increased fluid intake can help in thinning the mucus, making it easier for the client to cough up and clear secretions. This addresses the client's difficulty in bringing up bronchial secretions. Maintaining a semi-Fowler's position can aid in breathing but does not directly address the issue of clearing secretions. Administering oxygen may be necessary for COPD, but it does not specifically target the tenacious secretions. Selecting a low-salt diet can be helpful in managing COPD in general, but it does not directly address the client's current concern of clearing bronchial secretions.

2. In preparation for the discharge of a client with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), the nurse should include which of the following instructions?

• A. Apply a heating pad on a low setting to help relieve leg pain.
• B. Adjust the thermostat so that the environment is warm.
• C. Wear antiembolic stockings during the day.
• D. Rest with the legs above heart level.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Resting with the legs above heart level is important for clients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) to promote better circulation and reduce leg pain. Applying a heating pad on a low setting can actually worsen symptoms by causing burns or increasing blood flow to the area, which is not recommended for PAD. While keeping the environment warm is generally beneficial, it is not a specific instruction for managing PAD. Antiembolic stockings are typically used for preventing blood clots in hospitalized patients and may not be directly related to managing PAD at home.

3. A client with angina pectoris is being taught about starting therapy with nitroglycerin (Nitrostat) tablets. The nurse should instruct the client to take the medication

• A. after each meal and at bedtime.
• B. every 15 minutes during an acute attack.
• C. at the first indication of chest pain.
• D. with 8 oz of water.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat) tablets are used to relieve chest pain associated with angina. The client should take the medication at the first indication of chest pain to help dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow to the heart muscle. Choice A is incorrect because nitroglycerin should not be scheduled after each meal or at bedtime. Choice B is incorrect as taking the medication every 15 minutes during an acute attack is excessive and not recommended. Choice D is incorrect because while it is important to take nitroglycerin with water, the timing of water intake is not as critical as taking the medication at the first sign of chest pain.

4. A provider is discharging a client with a prescription for home oxygen therapy. Client and family teaching by the nurse should include all of the following instructions except?

• A. Cleanse the mask or collar with soapy water every other day.
• B. Ensure that the straps on the mask are secure but not too tight.
• C. Apply petroleum jelly around and inside the nares.
• D. Post 'no smoking' warning signs at home in a prominent location.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When providing instructions for home oxygen therapy, it is important to ensure safety and proper care. Choices A, B, and D are all essential instructions for the client and family. Choice C, 'Apply petroleum jelly around and inside the nares,' is incorrect. Petroleum jelly should not be used near oxygen sources as it is flammable and can increase the risk of fire hazard. Therefore, this instruction should not be included in the teaching.

5. When caring for a client with COPD, which intervention should the nurse include in the care plan?

• A. Restrict the client's fluid intake to less than 2 L/day.
• B. Encourage the client to use the upper chest for respiration.
• C. Have the client use the early-morning hours for exercise and activity.
• D. Instruct the client to use pursed-lip breathing.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to use pursed-lip breathing. This technique helps improve breathing efficiency by keeping the airways open during exhalation and reducing air trapping. Restricting fluid intake to less than 2 L/day is not appropriate for a client with COPD, as they need adequate hydration. Using the upper chest for respiration is incorrect as it promotes shallow breathing, which is not ideal for COPD patients. While exercise is beneficial, early-morning hours may not be the best time for clients with COPD due to increased respiratory distress in the morning.

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