A 33-year-old patient has pneumonia. When the nurse assesses this patient, which of the following data will receive the highest priority?
presence of hiccups, amount of sweating BP
capillary refill, amount of sputum, trembling
size of pupil, presence of sneezing, location of pain
restlessness, chest wall movement, color of nails
The Correct Answer is D
D. Restlessness can be an early sign of hypoxia. Chest wall movement provides information about the effort and effectiveness of breathing, and the color of the nails can indicate cyanosis, which is a sign of poor oxygenation. These data points are directly related to assessing respiratory status and the severity of pneumonia.
A. Hiccups, sweating, and blood pressure can provide useful information about the patient's condition, they do not directly indicate the severity of respiratory distress or oxygenation status. Hiccups can be a sign of diaphragmatic irritation, sweating can indicate fever or infection, and blood pressure is a general vital sign but not specific to respiratory function.
B. Capillary refill can provide information about peripheral perfusion, and the amount of sputum can be relevant to respiratory status, particularly in an infection like pneumonia. Trembling might indicate fever or anxiety but is less directly related to respiratory status compared to other signs.
C. Pupil size and sneezing are not directly related to respiratory function in pneumonia. Pain location could be relevant if it indicates pleuritic pain, but this set of data does not provide the most critical information for assessing respiratory function and oxygenation in a patient with pneumonia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. Expiratory wheezes are high-pitched, musical sounds produced by air passing through narrowed or obstructed airways. Wheezing is a hallmark sign of asthma, particularly during an exacerbation, and is usually more pronounced during expiration due to the increased effort required to expel air through the narrowed airways.
A. A pleural friction rub is a grating sound produced by the movement of inflamed pleural surfaces rubbing together. It is typically heard in conditions such as pleuritis (inflammation of the pleura) or pleurisy. This sound is not commonly associated with asthma exacerbations.
C. Rhonchi are low-pitched, snoring-like sounds that occur due to the presence of mucus or other secretions in the larger airways. While rhonchi can be heard in conditions with increased mucus production, such as bronchitis, they are not typically the primary sound associated with asthma exacerbations.
D. Fine rales, also known as crackles, are high-pitched, popping sounds heard during inspiration. They are usually associated with conditions involving fluid in the alveoli, such as pulmonary edema or interstitial lung disease. Crackles are not characteristic of asthma.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. Good control of blood glucose levels and blood pressure is essential in reducing the risk of diabetic retinopathy and its progression. Research has shown that maintaining tight glycemic control and managing hypertension can significantly decrease the likelihood and severity of retinopathy in patients with diabetes.
A. Laser surgery is a treatment option for certain complications of diabetic retinopathy, such as retinal hemorrhage or retinal detachment. However, it's essential to emphasize that prevention through good glycemic control and regular eye exams is key to reducing the risk of these complications, rather than relying solely on surgical interventions after they occur.
B. Cataracts are more common in individuals with diabetes and can be surgically corrected but this statement does not directly address the concern about retinopathy. Cataracts and retinopathy are separate ocular complications of diabetes, each requiring different management strategies.
D. Diabetes remains one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States, primarily due to its association with diabetic retinopathy. While advancements in diabetes management and eye care have helped reduce the incidence of blindness, it is still a significant concern for individuals with diabetes.
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