Nursing Elites

1. When caring for an older adult client with a pulmonary infection, what action should the nurse take first?

• A. Encourage the client to increase fluid intake.
• B. Assess the client's level of consciousness.
• C. Raise the head of the bed to at least 45 degrees.
• D. Provide the client with humidified oxygen.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Assessing the client's level of consciousness is the priority because it provides crucial information on the client's neurological status and response to the infection. Changes in consciousness can indicate deterioration or improvement in the client's condition, guiding further interventions and treatment.

2. A client is prescribed albuterol (Proventil) via a metered-dose inhaler. Which action should the nurse take to ensure effective use of this medication?

• A. Instruct the client to inhale quickly while administering the medication.
• B. Have the client hold their breath for 10 seconds after inhaling the medication.
• C. Tell the client to exhale immediately after inhaling the medication.
• D. Encourage the client to use the inhaler as needed only when experiencing symptoms.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To ensure effective use of albuterol via a metered-dose inhaler, the nurse should have the client hold their breath for 10 seconds after inhaling the medication. This action allows the medication to reach deeper into the airways. Inhaling slowly and deeply, not quickly, is recommended for optimal drug delivery. Exhaling immediately after inhaling the medication would expel it before it can take effect. It's essential for the client to follow the prescribed regimen of medication usage, not just using the inhaler when symptoms are present.

3. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is being assessed by a nurse. Which finding should the nurse expect?

• A. Increased anterior-posterior (AP) chest diameter
• B. Decreased respiratory rate
• C. Weight gain
• D. Productive cough with yellow sputum

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In COPD, the client often develops a barrel chest, characterized by an increased anterior-posterior diameter of the chest. This change is due to air trapping and hyperinflation of the lungs. Decreased respiratory rate, weight gain, and productive cough with yellow sputum are not typically associated with COPD. Weight loss is more common due to increased work of breathing and decreased energy expenditure in individuals with COPD.

4. A client with emphysema is being cared for by a nurse. Which of the following findings should the nurse not expect to assess in this client?

• A. Dyspnea
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Barrel chest
• D. Clubbing of the fingers

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Emphysema is a chronic lung condition characterized by shortness of breath (dyspnea), a barrel-shaped chest due to hyperinflation of the lungs (barrel chest), and clubbing of the fingers (enlargement of fingertips). Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is not typically associated with emphysema. In emphysema, the primary focus is on respiratory complications rather than cardiac issues.

5. A healthcare professional is reviewing the arterial blood gas results for a client in the ICU who has kidney failure and determines the client has respiratory acidosis. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional expect?

• A. Widened QRS complexes
• B. Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
• C. Bounding peripheral pulses
• D. Warm, flushed skin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Respiratory acidosis is a condition characterized by increased carbon dioxide levels in the blood, resulting in acidosis. One of the potential consequences of respiratory acidosis is the development of electrolyte imbalances, particularly hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia can lead to cardiac conduction abnormalities, manifested as widened QRS complexes on an electrocardiogram (ECG). Therefore, in a client with respiratory acidosis, the healthcare professional should expect to find widened QRS complexes as a result of the associated hyperkalemia.

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