which statement by the client with chronic obstructive lung disease indicates an understanding of the major reason for the use of occasional pursed li

NCLEX-RN

NCLEX RN Exam Prep

1. Which statement by the client with chronic obstructive lung disease indicates an understanding of the major reason for the use of occasional pursed-lip breathing?

A. ''This action of my lips helps to keep my airway open.''
B. ''I can expel more air when I pucker up my lips to breathe out.''
C. ''My mouth doesn't get as dry when I breathe with pursed lips.''
D. ''By prolonging breathing out with pursed lips, the smaller areas in my lungs don't collapse.''

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Clients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have difficulty exhaling fully due to the weak alveolar walls from the disease process. Pursed-lip breathing helps prevent alveolar collapse by maintaining positive pressure in the airways during exhalation. This is the major reason for using pursed-lip breathing in individuals with chronic obstructive lung disease. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not directly address the main purpose of pursed-lip breathing, which is to prevent alveolar collapse and improve exhalation in these patients.

2. Which of the following is part of client teaching regarding antiembolism stockings?

A. Instruct the client to roll the top portion of the stocking down if it is too long
B. Stockings are applied with the toes uncovered at the end
C. Measure for thigh-high stockings from the foot to the knee
D. Stockings are to be smooth from end to end without wrinkles

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When educating clients about antiembolism stockings, it is essential to emphasize that the stockings should be smooth from end to end without wrinkles. Wrinkles in the stockings can impede circulation, defeating the purpose of wearing them to prevent blood clot formation. Instructing the client to roll the top portion of the stocking down if it is too long (Choice A) is incorrect as it can create unnecessary pressure points. Stockings should be applied with the toes covered at the end (Choice B) to ensure proper compression. Measuring for thigh-high stockings should be done from the knee to the foot (Choice C) to ensure the correct fit and compression gradient.

3. Which technique is correct when assessing the radial pulse of a patient?

A. Palpate for 1 minute if the rhythm is irregular.
B. Palpate for 15 seconds and multiply by 4 if the rhythm is regular.
C. Palpate for 2 full minutes to detect any variation in amplitude.
D. Palpate for 10 seconds and multiply by 6 if the rhythm is regular and the patient has no history of cardiac abnormalities.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When assessing the radial pulse, if the rhythm is irregular, the pulse should be counted for a full minute to get an accurate representation of the pulse rate. In cases where the rhythm is regular, the recommended technique is to palpate for 15 seconds and then multiply by 4 to calculate the beats per minute. This method is more accurate and efficient for normal or rapid heart rates. Palpating for 30 seconds and multiplying by 2 is not as effective, as any error in counting results in a larger discrepancy in the calculated heart rate. Palpating for 2 full minutes is excessive and not necessary for routine pulse assessment. Palpating for 10 seconds and multiplying by 6 is not a standard technique and may lead to inaccuracies, especially in patients with cardiac abnormalities.

4. Match the abbreviation with the correct definition:

A. bid: twice a day
B. tid: three times a day
C. ac: before meals
D. pc: after meals

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The abbreviation 'ac' stands for 'ante cibum,' which means 'before meals.' 'Bid' means twice a day. 'Tid' means three times a day, and 'pc' means after meals. When interpreting medical abbreviations, it is crucial to understand their precise meanings to ensure accurate communication and patient care.

5. A 1-month-old infant has a head measurement of 34 cm and a chest circumference of 32 cm. Based on the interpretation of these findings, what action would the nurse take?

A. Refer the infant to a physician for further evaluation.
B. Consider these findings normal for a 1-month-old infant.
C. Expect the chest circumference to be greater than the head circumference.
D. Ask the parent to return in 2 weeks to re-evaluate the head and chest circumferences.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In infants, a normal head measurement is approximately 32 to 38 cm, and it is usually around 2 cm larger than the chest circumference. These measurements vary with age; between 6 months and 2 years, both measurements are approximately the same, and after age 2 years, the chest circumference becomes greater than the head circumference. Given that the 1-month-old infant's head measurement is within the typical range and slightly larger than the chest circumference, the nurse should consider these findings normal. There is no indication to refer the infant for further evaluation or to have the parent return for re-evaluation in 2 weeks, as these measurements fall within the expected parameters for a 1-month-old infant.