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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Administering albuterol may help if the shortness of breath is due to bronchospasm, but the priority in heart failure is to assess fluid status and respiratory function.
B. Listening to lung fields is crucial to assess for signs of pulmonary edema, which is a common complication in heart failure. This assessment helps determine the effectiveness of the furosemide and whether further intervention is needed.
C. Measuring urine output is important but secondary to assessing respiratory status.
D. Reviewing serum potassium is important but not as urgent as assessing the client's respiratory status.

A. Clamp the catheter for 30 minutes prior to irrigating. B. Slowly irrigate catheter with saline using an infusion pump. C. Use a sterile syringe to irrigate with 20 mL normal saline. D. Power flush with 60 mL to remove mucous obstructions.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Clamping the catheter before irrigation is not recommended as it could cause urine retention and increase the risk of infection.
B. An infusion pump is not typically used for catheter irrigation as manual control is preferred for monitoring flow and pressure.
C. Using a sterile syringe to gently irrigate the catheter with 20 mL of normal saline is the correct approach. This method helps to clear fibrin clots and sediment without applying excessive pressure, which could damage the bladder or catheter.
D. Power flushing with 60 mL could apply excessive pressure, potentially causing trauma to the bladder or urethra.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with heart failure reports increased shortness of breath. The nurse administered furosemide 20 mg IV 60 minutes ago. Which action is most important for the nurse to implement?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is preparing a bladder irrigation for an adult client who has a long-term indwelling urinary catheter. The urine is cloudy with fibrin clots and sediment. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A male client has been receiving the antibiotic gentamicin sulfate, IV piggyback every 12 hours for several days. Which observation by the nurse indicates that the client may be experiencing an adverse effect of gentamicin? Reference Range: White Blood Cell [5000 to 10,000/mm3 (5 to 10 x 109/L)]

A client is being evaluated for environmental allergies. While examining the client's nasal passage, which finding suggests to the nurse that the client is experiencing allergic rhinitis?

After receiving large doses of chlorpromazine for two weeks, a client begins to develop spasms of the neck and back. Which action should the nurse take?

When entering a client's room to assess vital signs, the nurse finds the client crying. After allowing the client to express feelings, which intervention should the nurse implement?

An older client who is experiencing urinary incontinence is brought to the clinic with increased confusion. The nurse observes serous drainage from a laceration on the client's left arm. Which assessment is most important for the nurse to obtain?

An older adult client reports noticing increased difficulty hearing over the past year. The client explains that words often sound garbled and the end of sentences are often missed. Which follow-up question is best for the nurse to ask?

A client who is in shock is receiving a continuous IV infusion of a sympathomimetic dopamine. Which intervention should the nurse include in this client's plan of care?