A home health care nurse is teaching a client about managing COPD. Which of the following client statements should the nurse identify as an understanding of the teaching?
"I'll use pursed-lip breathing when I feel short of breath."
"I'll skip my exercises for the week if I feel short of breath."
"I will use my inhaler 30 minutes after each meal."
"I will limit myself to drinking only 1 quart of water each day."
The Correct Answer is A
A) "I'll use pursed-lip breathing when I feel short of breath.": Pursed-lip breathing is a beneficial technique for clients with COPD as it helps keep the airways open longer, reduces the work of breathing, and improves ventilation. This statement indicates the client understands a key management strategy for COPD.
B) "I'll skip my exercises for the week if I feel short of breath.": Regular exercise is important for managing COPD, and while adjustments may be necessary when symptoms are severe, completely skipping exercise can lead to deconditioning and worsening of symptoms. This statement does not reflect appropriate management of COPD.
C) "I will use my inhaler 30 minutes after each meal.": Inhalers should be used as prescribed, usually before activities that might trigger symptoms, such as eating, rather than on a fixed schedule unrelated to symptoms or physician's guidance. This statement indicates a misunderstanding of inhaler use.
D) "I will limit myself to drinking only 1 quart of water each day.": Staying hydrated is important for thinning mucus in COPD. Unless there are specific medical reasons to restrict fluids, such as heart failure, limiting water intake could lead to dehydration and thickened mucus, making breathing more difficult. This statement is not appropriate for managing COPD.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Evaluate the client's understanding of diabetes management: While it is important to assess the client’s understanding of diabetes management to prevent future hyperglycemic episodes, this is not the immediate priority. The client's current hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state needs urgent intervention to stabilize their condition before educational measures can be effective.
B) Administer potassium supplements: Potassium supplementation may be necessary, especially if the client is hypokalemic, but it is not the first action. Electrolyte levels should be monitored and corrected as part of the treatment, but the initial priority is to address the severe dehydration and hyperglycemia.
C) Initiate a continuous infusion of 0.9% sodium chloride: This is the most critical first step. Clients in a hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state are typically severely dehydrated due to osmotic diuresis. Initiating a continuous infusion of isotonic saline helps to restore intravascular volume, improve perfusion, and stabilize hemodynamics, which is essential before addressing other issues.
D) Check for improvements in the client's level of consciousness: Monitoring the client's level of consciousness is important as it provides information about their neurological status and response to treatment. However, this is a subsequent action after initiating fluid resuscitation, which directly addresses the immediate life-threatening aspects of the hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) A potassium supplement: Administering a potassium supplement would be inappropriate for a client with a potassium level of 6.4 mEq/L. This level is above the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L) and indicates hyperkalemia, which can have serious effects on cardiac function. Increasing potassium intake could exacerbate the condition.
B) A fiber supplement: While fiber supplements can be beneficial for overall digestive health, they do not directly address or correct an electrolyte imbalance like hyperkalemia. They are not relevant in managing elevated potassium levels.
C) An anticonvulsant: Anticonvulsants are used to manage seizure activity and are not indicated for treating hyperkalemia. They do not have any role in the regulation or management of potassium levels in the body.
D) A diuretic: Diuretics, particularly loop diuretics, are often used to help manage hyperkalemia by promoting the excretion of potassium through urine. This helps lower the elevated potassium levels in the blood and reduce the risk of complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Therefore, administering a diuretic is an appropriate intervention for a client with a potassium level of 6.4 mEq/L.
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