A client arriving to the emergency department reports trouble breathing and tightness in the chest that started while exercising at the gym. The nurse observes the client is afebrile, heart rate 96 beats/minute, respirations 32 breaths/minute, and pulse oximeter reading of 85%. Audible wheezing is heard on expiration with a decrease in tactile fremitus and bilateral breath sounds. The client displays intercostal retracting and prolonged expirations. Based on the findings, the nurse should recognize the client is exhibiting symptoms of which condition?
Pneumonia.
Pneumothorax.
Asthma.
Bronchitis.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Pneumonia typically presents with fever, productive cough, and lung consolidation, not just wheezing and low oxygen saturation.
B. Pneumothorax usually causes sudden sharp chest pain and decreased breath sounds on the affected side, rather than wheezing and prolonged expiration.
C. Asthma is characterized by wheezing, prolonged expiration, and low oxygen saturation due to bronchoconstriction and inflammation. The client's symptoms are consistent with an asthma exacerbation.
D. Bronchitis presents with a productive cough and sometimes wheezing but does not typically cause such severe hypoxemia or a pronounced increase in respiratory rate as seen here.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Dopamine, a sympathomimetic agent, can cause significant changes in blood pressure. Monitoring blood pressure every 15 minutes is crucial to assess the client's response to the medication and to detect any adverse effects, such as hypertension or hypotension, promptly.
B. Monitoring CBC is important but not as immediately critical in this situation as monitoring blood pressure.
C. While reviewing creatinine and BUN results is important for overall kidney function, it is not the most immediate priority when administering dopamine for shock.
D. Measuring urinary output is important for assessing renal perfusion but should be done more frequently than daily in a client receiving dopamine for shock.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Applying pressure proximal to the IV site is not appropriate and could cause further complications.
B. Assessing the radial pulse is important but is not the immediate response to the occlusion alarm.
C. Straightening the arm can help relieve a positional occlusion, which is a common cause of such alarms.
D. Elevating the arm may help with venous return but is not a first-line action for addressing the occlusion alarm.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.