A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) smokes two packs of cigarettes per day and is admitted to the hospital for a respiratory infection. The client reports difficulty controlling respiratory distress at home when using the rescue inhaler. Which comment from the client indicates to the nurse that the client is not using the inhaler properly?
"I have a hard time inhaling and holding my breath after I squeeze the inhaler, but I do my best."
"I never use the inhaler unless I am feeling really short of breath."
"After I squeeze the inhaler and swallow, I always feel a slight wave of nausea, but it goes away."
"I always shake the inhaler several times before I start."
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale
A. This comment suggests that the client is aware of the correct technique (inhaling and holding breath) but finds it difficult to execute properly. It indicates a partial understanding of the inhaler technique but potential difficulty in coordination.
B. This comment indicates a misunderstanding of the purpose of a rescue inhaler. Rescue inhalers are intended to be used promptly at the onset of symptoms to relieve acute shortness of breath. Delaying use until symptoms are severe may result in inadequate relief and worsening of respiratory distress.
C. This comment suggests that the client may be swallowing the medication instead of inhaling it into the lungs. Inhalers are meant to deliver medication directly into the lungs through inhalation, not swallowing. Swallowing the medication can lead to gastrointestinal side effects like nausea.
D. Shaking the inhaler before use is a correct step to ensure proper dispersion of the medication. This comment indicates the client understands and follows this part of the inhaler technique correctly.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale
A. The client's friend may not legally be authorized to provide consent unless they hold medical power of attorney or legal guardianship for the client. Without documentation of such authority, the friend cannot sign the informed consent.
B. In emergency situations where a patient lacks decision-making capacity and there is no available legal guardian or next of kin to provide consent, hospitals may seek a court order to proceed with necessary treatment. However, this could delay emergency treatment.
C. This is based on the legal and ethical understanding that saving the patient's life takes precedence when immediate action is required and consent cannot be obtained.
D. Providing life support ensures that the client's immediate medical needs are addressed while efforts are made to locate a legal guardian. However, unavailability of next of kin should not delay definitive intervention
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale
A. Measuring vital signs, including respiratory rate, heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation, is important to assess the client's overall status and to determine the severity of the dyspnea. Vital signs provide essential information to guide further interventions. While important, this action may not directly alleviate the client's immediate distress from dyspnea.
B. Placing the client in a high Fowler's position (sitting upright with the head of the bed elevated to 90 degrees) helps to maximize chest expansion and improve lung ventilation. This position can relieve dyspnea by reducing pressure on the diaphragm and improving lung compliance. It is a simple and effective intervention for clients experiencing respiratory distress.
C. While deep breathing exercises are beneficial for promoting lung expansion and improving respiratory function, they may not be appropriate as the first action when the client is already dyspneic. The priority
should be to position the client to alleviate immediate breathing difficulty before initiating exercises that require active participation.
D. Auscultating breath sounds is important for assessing lung function and detecting any abnormalities such as adventitious sounds (e.g., crackles, wheezes). However, this action is secondary to placing the client in a high Fowler's position to relieve dyspnea. Auscultation can be performed after the client's breathing has stabilized.
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