what are the key components of a respiratory assessment
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Nursing Elites

ATI LPN

ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020

1. What are the key components of a respiratory assessment?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation. A focused respiratory assessment involves inspecting the chest for symmetry and signs of distress, palpating for tenderness or abnormal masses, performing percussion to assess underlying tissues, and auscultating lung sounds. Choice B is incorrect as observation is a broad term that can encompass both inspection and palpation. Choice C is incorrect as auscultation is usually performed after inspection and palpation. Choice D is incorrect as observation should be more specific, and auscultation is a key component that is typically done last in a respiratory assessment.

2. A client who is at 38 weeks of gestation and has a history of hepatitis C asks the nurse if she will be able to breastfeed. Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct response is A: 'You may breastfeed unless your nipples are cracked or bleeding.' In the case of hepatitis C, breastfeeding is generally safe unless the mother's nipples are cracked or bleeding, which could increase the risk of transmission to the baby. Choice B is incorrect as using a breast pump is not a mandatory requirement for breastfeeding with hepatitis C. Choice C is incorrect as a nipple shield is not necessary in this situation. Choice D is incorrect because the baby developing antibodies does not impact the decision to breastfeed in the context of hepatitis C.

3. A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who is taking furosemide. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. A magnesium level of 1.6 mEq/L is within the normal range, but monitoring potassium levels is crucial for clients taking furosemide. Furosemide can cause hypokalemia (low potassium levels), which can lead to adverse effects such as cardiac dysrhythmias. Sodium and calcium levels are not typically affected by furosemide, so they are not the priority findings to report to the provider in this case.

4. A nurse is caring for a client post-op with a chest tube. What should the nurse check for regularly?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to check for air leaks in the tubing. Air leaks can compromise the function of the chest tube, leading to inadequate drainage and potentially causing complications for the client. Clamping the chest tube periodically is incorrect as it could lead to a buildup of fluid or air in the pleural space. Keeping the client in a prone position is not necessary for chest drainage, as the positioning may vary depending on the specific situation. Administering diuretics may not be directly related to monitoring the chest tube for proper function and is not a routine intervention for chest tube management post-op.

5. A nurse is collecting data from a client who is experiencing a situational crisis following the loss of a job. The client states, 'I don't think I can go through this again.' Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority is to determine if the client is experiencing psychotic thinking or suicidal ideation. In this situation, the nurse needs to assess if the client is having distorted thoughts or losing touch with reality, which could pose an immediate risk to the client's safety. While determining the client's support system, asking how the client copes with stress, and assessing vital signs are important aspects of care, they are not the priority when there is a concern about potential psychotic thinking or suicidal ideation.

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