A nurse in the med-surgical ICU is evaluating a patient with a diagnosis of chronic copd. The patient is receiving oxygen at a flow rate of 10 L/min via facemask. Which finding would concern the nurse to act immediately?
Respiratory rate of 8 bpm
A large barrel chest
Fine crackles
The patient assumes the orthopenic position
The Correct Answer is A
A) Respiratory rate of 8 bpm:
This a sign of respiratory depression, which can occur in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who are receiving high-flow oxygen. In COPD patients, particularly those with chronic hypercapnia (elevated carbon dioxide), the body may become less sensitive to CO2 buildup and more reliant on low oxygen levels to trigger the respiratory drive. If oxygen is administered at high flow rate, it can reduce the stimulus for breathing, leading to hypoventilation or even respiratory arrest.
B) A large barrel chest:
A barrel chest is a common physical finding in patients with chronic COPD due to the hyperinflation of the lungs. This is a result of air trapping, which is a hallmark of COPD. While it indicates the long-term effects of COPD, it does not require immediate intervention. It is a chronic sign and not an acute or urgent concern unless accompanied by other signs of acute respiratory distress.
C) Fine crackles:
Fine crackles (or rales) on auscultation can be indicative of fluid in the lungs and may suggest conditions such as pulmonary edema, heart failure, or pneumonia. While crackles could be concerning, they are not as immediately life-threatening as a respiratory rate of 8 bpm. In a patient with COPD, crackles might indicate worsening of their condition, possibly due to an infection or fluid overload, but the priority would still be to assess the patient's breathing and ventilation status first.
D) The patient assumes the orthopneic position:
The orthopneic position (sitting upright or leaning forward) is a common way for patients with COPD to relieve shortness of breath. It is a compensatory action to help improve lung expansion and facilitate breathing. While it is a sign of respiratory distress, it is not an immediate emergency. Many COPD patients use this position to cope with chronic difficulty breathing.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Take the medication with meals:
Inhaled beclomethasone is a corticosteroid, and it is generally not necessary to take it with meals. Oral corticosteroids are sometimes taken with meals to minimize gastric irritation, but this does not apply to inhaled corticosteroids like beclomethasone. The primary concern with inhaled corticosteroids is not related to meal timing but to oral hygiene to prevent side effects like oral thrush.
B) Limit caffeine intake:
There is no direct contraindication or requirement to limit caffeine intake when taking inhaled beclomethasone. While caffeine can have mild bronchodilatory effects, it does not interfere with the action of beclomethasone or exacerbate asthma symptoms. This is not a priority teaching point for the patient.
C) Rinse the mouth after administration:
One of the most important teaching points when using inhaled beclomethasone is to rinse the mouth after each use. This helps to prevent oral thrush (a fungal infection caused by Candida), which is a common side effect of inhaled corticosteroids. Rinsing the mouth with water after administration helps to remove any leftover medication and reduce the risk of infection, making this the most important instruction.
D) Check the pulse before and after medication administration:
While checking the pulse is important for some medications, such as bronchodilators like albuterol, it is not necessary for inhaled beclomethasone. Beclomethasone is a corticosteroid that primarily works by reducing inflammation in the airways, and it does not have a significant impact on heart rate. Therefore, it is not required to monitor pulse before and after its use.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. 250 mg:
This represents the amount of levodopa in the tablet, not carbidopa. Sinemet contains two active ingredients: carbidopa (25 mg) and levodopa (250 mg), as shown on the label.
B. 25 mg:
This is the correct answer, as the label indicates that each tablet contains 25 mg of carbidopa. Carbidopa is combined with levodopa to improve its effectiveness and reduce side effects like nausea.
C. 5 mg:
This is not accurate; the label clearly states that the carbidopa dose is 25 mg per tablet.
D. 200 mg:
This does not correspond to the dose of carbidopa or levodopa in this medication. The label specifies 25 mg of carbidopa and 250 mg of levodopa.
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