A client with a history of asthma and bronchitis arrives at the clinic with shortness of breath, productive cough with thickened, tenacious mucus, and the inability to walk up a flight of stairs without experiencing breathlessness.
Which action is most important for the nurse to instruct the client about self-care?

Increase the daily intake of oral fluids to liquefy secretions.

Call the clinic if undesirable side effects of medications occur.

Teach anxiety reduction methods for feelings of suffocation.

Avoid crowded enclosed areas to reduce pathogen exposure.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale:

Liquefying secretions is the most crucial action to address the client's immediate respiratory concerns. Thickened mucus obstructs airflow, leading to shortness of breath, productive cough, and difficulty breathing upon exertion. Increasing fluid intake thins mucus, making it easier to expel and improving ventilation. This directly addresses the client's current symptoms and promotes airway clearance.

Hydration and Mucociliary Clearance: Adequate hydration is indispensable for optimal mucociliary clearance, the natural mechanism that removes mucus from the airways. Fluids moisten the respiratory tract, allowing cilia (tiny hair-like structures) to effectively move mucus upwards, where it can be coughed out or swallowed.

Thinning Mucus: Water acts as a natural expectorant, thinning mucus and reducing its viscosity. This makes it easier for the client to cough up the mucus, clearing the airways and reducing the sensation of breathlessness.

Decreasing Mucus Production: Dehydration can trigger the body to produce more mucus as a protective response. By staying hydrated, the client can help prevent excessive mucus production, further easing symptoms.

Supporting Overall Respiratory Health: Proper hydration maintains the health of the respiratory system's tissues and cells, promoting efficient gas exchange and reducing inflammation.

Preventing Dehydration-Related Complications: Dehydration can exacerbate respiratory problems and lead to other complications, such as fatigue, headaches, and impaired immune function. Maintaining adequate fluid intake helps prevent these issues.

Key points to emphasize to the client:

Drink fluids throughout the day, even if not feeling thirsty.

Water is the best choice, but clear broths, juices, and herbal teas can also contribute to fluid intake. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can be dehydrating.

Monitor urine output to ensure adequate hydration (urine should be pale yellow or clear).

Increase fluid intake during periods of increased mucus production, such as during respiratory infections or exercise.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Leaving the dressing off would expose the wound to air and potential contamination, which could delay healing and increase the risk of infection.

While consulting with the healthcare provider is always an option, it's not necessary in this case as the nurse has the knowledge and skills to select an appropriate dressing.

Additionally, leaving the wound uncovered could cause pain and discomfort to the patient, as well as potentially disrupt the delicate granulation tissue that has already formed.

Choice C rationale:

Increasing the frequency of dressing changes could disrupt the healing process and irritate the wound bed.

It's generally recommended to change dressings only as often as necessary to keep the wound clean and moist. Excessive dressing changes can also be costly and time-consuming for both the patient and the healthcare provider. Choice D rationale:

Transparent dressings are not ideal for stage 3 pressure injuries with significant granulation tissue. These dressings are more suitable for wounds with minimal exudate and that are not actively healing. Transparent dressings can also adhere to the wound bed, causing pain and trauma upon removal.

Choice B rationale:

Hydrocolloidal gel dressings are a good choice for stage 3 pressure injuries with granulation tissue because they: Provide a moist wound environment, which promotes healing.

Absorb exudate, which helps to prevent maceration of the surrounding skin. Form a protective barrier over the wound, which helps to prevent infection.

Are comfortable for the patient and can be left in place for several days.

A. Measure oxygen saturation. B. Auscultate bowel sounds. C. Assess body temperature. D. Check serum creatinine.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Measuring oxygen saturation is not directly relevant to the administration of vancomycin or the monitoring of its potential side effects. While oxygen saturation is important to assess in patients with respiratory concerns, it does not provide information about kidney function, which is essential for safe vancomycin use.

Choice B rationale:

Auscultating bowel sounds, while a part of general abdominal assessment, is not the most crucial action before administering vancomycin. Vancomycin is not known to have significant effects on bowel motility, and its primary concern is nephrotoxicity.

Choice C rationale:

Assessing body temperature can be helpful in evaluating for infection, but it is not the most specific or sensitive indicator of vancomycin-related adverse effects. Fever can be a sign of various conditions, and it does not directly assess kidney function.

Choice D rationale:

Checking serum creatinine is the most essential action before administering vancomycin because it allows for assessment of kidney function. Vancomycin is primarily excreted by the kidneys, and impaired renal function can lead to elevated drug levels and increased risk of nephrotoxicity. By checking serum creatinine, the nurse can ensure that the patient's kidney function is adequate to safely excrete vancomycin and can adjust the dosage or frequency of administration if necessary.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is performing a routine dressing change for a patient with a stage 3 pressure injury that is red with significant granulation.The wound has a gauze dressing covering the area. Which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The client with Clostridium difficile in the stool receives a prescription for vancomycin PO. Which action should the nurse take before administering the first dose?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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