A nurse is caring for a client who has COPD.
Click to highlight the findings below that require immediate follow-up.
Body System Findings
Neurological
Day 1:
Neurological
Client is oriented to person, place, and time. Client is restless. Pupils are reactive to light. Able to move all extremities.
Pulmonary
Client is tachypneic, cough is productive, and mucous is yellow in color. Wheezes and crackles heard upon auscultation. Oxygen saturation 87% on room air.
Cardiovascular Pulse 110/min. +2 pulses in all extremities.
Client is restless
tachypneic, cough is productive
mucous is yellow
Wheezes and crackles
Oxygen saturation 87% on room air
Pulse 110/min
oriented to person, place, and time
Able to move all extremities
The Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E","F"]
Restlessness can be a sign of inadequate oxygenation to the brain, known as hypoxia. This is particularly concerning in a client with COPD whose oxygen saturation is already low (87% on room air).
These pulmonary findings indicate worsening respiratory distress in a client with COPD. Tachypnea, productive cough with discolored sputum, and abnormal lung sounds (wheezes and crackles) suggest exacerbation of COPD. The oxygen saturation of 87% on room air is below normal (typically 95% or higher), indicating hypoxemia, which requires immediate assessment and intervention to prevent further respiratory compromise.
The elevated heart rate (110/min) may indicate increased workload on the heart due to respiratory distress and hypoxemia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
Client reports tightness in chest that radiates to left arm: Chest tightness that radiates to the left arm is a classic symptom of myocardial ischemia or infarction (heart attack). This symptom is concerning because it suggests potential heart muscle damage or decreased blood flow to the heart.
States pain as 7 on a scale of 0 to 10: The client rates their chest pain as 7 out of 10. This indicates significant discomfort and suggests that the chest tightness is causing substantial pain. Pain severity is an important indicator in assessing the severity of the cardiac event.
Started to feel nauseous after breakfast: Nausea can be a symptom associated with myocardial ischemia or infarction, particularly when it occurs after physical exertion or a meal. It can be caused by decreased blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract due to compromised cardiac function.
Client is diaphoretic and short of breath: Diaphoresis (excessive sweating) and shortness of breath are additional symptoms that commonly accompany acute myocardial infarction. Diaphoresis occurs due to sympathetic nervous system activation, while shortness of breath can result from decreased cardiac output or pulmonary congestion.
Heart rate irregular and tachycardic: An irregular and tachycardic (rapid) heart rate is abnormal and suggests cardiac dysrhythmia, which can occur in response to myocardial ischemia or infarction. It reflects the heart's attempt to compensate for reduced oxygen delivery to the body.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]
Explanation
A. The client presents with symptoms and signs suggestive of acute coronary syndrome, including chest pain, tachycardia, and ECG changes (ST segment elevation and T wave changes). Elevated troponin levels indicate myocardial injury. Cardiac catheterization is typically indicated in acute coronary syndrome to assess coronary artery anatomy and potentially perform interventions like angioplasty or stenting to restore blood flow to the heart muscle.
B. Continuous heparin infusion is commonly used in the management of acute coronary syndrome to prevent further clot formation and stabilize the condition. It helps in reducing the risk of thrombus formation in the coronary arteries, which is crucial in cases of myocardial infarction.
C. Ambulation is generally not recommended during the acute phase of myocardial infarction or unstable angina. The client's symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and diaphoresis, indicate ongoing cardiac compromise. Ambulation could potentially worsen the client's condition or lead to adverse events.
D. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker used to reduce heart rate, blood pressure, and myocardial oxygen demand. While it is indicated in acute coronary syndrome to stabilize heart rate and reduce myocardial ischemia, increasing the dosage should be done cautiously and based on the client's response to initial therapy.
E. NPO status is typically indicated for clients undergoing procedures that require sedation or anesthesia, such as cardiac catheterization. It ensures the client's stomach is empty to reduce the risk of aspiration during the procedure. Given the potential need for cardiac catheterization in this client, obtaining a prescription for NPO status would be appropriate to prepare for the procedure and ensure safety.
F. Antibiotics are not routinely indicated in the management of acute coronary syndrome unless there is evidence of concomitant infection or specific clinical indications (e.g., pneumonia). In the absence of signs or symptoms of infection, requesting an antibiotic prescription is not warranted based on the client's current presentation.
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