A home health nurse is visiting a client who has COPD and is receiving oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula.
The client tells the nurse she has been having difficulty breathing.
Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority at this time?
Have the client cough and expectorate secretions.
Instruct the client to use a pursed-lip breathing technique.
Increase the oxygen flow to 3 L/min.
Evaluate the client's respiratory status.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Having the client cough and expectorate secretions is a reasonable intervention for managing respiratory distress, but it is not the top priority. The nurse should first assess the client's overall respiratory status to determine the severity of the problem.
Choice B rationale:
Instructing the client to use a pursed-lip breathing technique is a helpful strategy to improve breathing in some cases. However, it should not be the top priority when a client is experiencing difficulty breathing. Assessment should come first.
Choice C rationale:
Increasing the oxygen flow to 3 L/min without a proper assessment is not advisable. It's essential to evaluate the client's respiratory status before making any adjustments to the oxygen therapy.
Choice D rationale:
"Evaluate the client's respiratory status" is the correct response. When a client with COPD and oxygen therapy reports difficulty breathing, the nurse's priority is to assess the client's respiratory status. This assessment will help determine the cause of the breathing difficulty and guide appropriate interventions. The nurse should also check the oxygen saturation levels, respiratory rate, and auscultate lung sounds to assess the severity of the issue.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Crackles in lung bases Crackles in the lung bases are often indicative of fluid accumulation in the lungs, which can occur in conditions like heart failure. These crackles are discontinuous and sound like "fine rales.”. They can be heard during inspiration and expiration.
Choice B rationale:
Periorbital edema Periorbital edema, or swelling around the eyes, can be a sign of fluid volume overload, especially in the context of an older adult receiving IV therapy. It suggests that excess fluid is accumulating in the body.
Choice D rationale:
Bounding radial pulse A bounding radial pulse is a sign of increased stroke volume and can occur when the heart is working harder to pump the increased blood volume associated with fluid overload.
Choice C rationale:
Swelling at the IV site Swelling at the IV site can be a local reaction and may not necessarily indicate fluid volume overload unless it is associated with other systemic signs.
Choice E rationale:
Flat neck veins when supine Flat neck veins when the client is supine are not typically associated with fluid volume overload. In fact, flat neck veins are more characteristic of hypovolemia. Now, let's address the final question.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice A: "I will wear stockings with elastic tops."
Choice A rationale:
Wearing stockings with elastic tops can constrict blood flow in the legs, which is counterproductive for individuals with peripheral vascular disease. Compression stockings specifically designed for PVD are recommended, but these should be properly fitted and used according to medical advice.
Choice B rationale:
Avoiding crossing the legs at the knees is appropriate for individuals with PVD, as this can impede blood flow and worsen symptoms.
Choice C rationale:
Not going barefoot is important for clients with PVD, as it reduces the risk of injury and infection, which can be more serious due to compromised circulation.
Choice D rationale:
Using a thermometer to check the temperature of bath water is crucial for clients with PVD to avoid burns, since they may have decreased sensation in their extremities.
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