A nurse is collecting data from a client who has emphysema. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply.)
Dyspnea
Barrel chest
Clubbing of the fingers
Shallow respirations
Bradycardia
Correct Answer : A,B,D
A. Dyspnea: Dyspnea is a hallmark symptom of emphysema. As lung function deteriorates, the client experiences difficulty breathing, especially during exertion, due to reduced gas exchange and air trapping in the lungs.
B. Barrel chest: A barrel chest is a common finding in emphysema due to hyperinflation of the lungs over time. This causes the chest to become rounded and expands the anterior-posterior diameter of the thorax.
C. Clubbing of the fingers: Clubbing of the fingers is not a typical finding in emphysema or COPD. It is more commonly associated with conditions like lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, or congenital heart disease, where chronic severe hypoxia is present.
D. Shallow respirations: Clients with emphysema often exhibit shallow respirations as their lung elasticity decreases, making it difficult to fully exhale. As a result, breathing may become more rapid and shallow to compensate for poor oxygen exchange.
E. Bradycardia: Bradycardia is not typically associated with emphysema. Instead, clients with chronic respiratory conditions like emphysema may experience tachycardia as the body tries to compensate for low oxygen levels.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Prone with arms raised over the head.
This position involves lying face down with the arms raised over the head. It is not appropriate for thoracentesis because it does not provide easy access to the thoracic cavity, and it may compress the chest, making it difficult for the client to breathe comfortably during the procedure.
B. Sitting, leaning forward over the bedside table.
This is the correct choice. For thoracentesis, the client should be positioned sitting upright and leaning forward over the bedside table or supported by pillows. This position allows better access to the thoracic cavity and facilitates the removal of pleural fluid. Leaning forward also helps to open up the intercostal spaces, making it easier for the healthcare provider to insert the needle into the appropriate space between the ribs.
C. High Fowler's position.
The High Fowler's position involves the client sitting upright with the head of the bed elevated at a 90-degree angle. While this position may be used for other respiratory procedures or for comfort, it is not the optimal position for thoracentesis. It does not provide the same degree of access to the thoracic cavity as the sitting position with forward leaning.
D. Side-lying with knees drawn up to the chest.
This position involves lying on one side with the knees drawn up to the chest. It is not appropriate for thoracentesis because it does not provide access to the thoracic cavity, and it may obstruct the procedure. Additionally, this position may not be comfortable for the client during the procedure.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Acute bronchospasm:
Albuterol (Proventil) is commonly used to treat acute bronchospasm, which is characterized by sudden constriction of the muscles surrounding the airways. This constriction leads to narrowing of the air passages, making it difficult to breathe. Albuterol works as a bronchodilator by relaxing these muscles, thereby opening up the airways and relieving symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. It is commonly used to manage conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchitis, where bronchospasm is a prominent feature.
B. Acute allergies:
Albuterol (Proventil) is not typically used to treat acute allergies. While it can help alleviate symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath that may occur as a result of allergic reactions affecting the airways, its primary indication is for bronchospasm associated with respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD. Antihistamines and corticosteroids are more commonly used to manage allergic reactions and their associated symptoms.
C. Nasal congestion:
Albuterol (Proventil) is not indicated for the treatment of nasal congestion. Nasal congestion primarily involves swelling and inflammation of the nasal passages, which are not directly affected by albuterol. Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine or nasal corticosteroids are typically used to relieve nasal congestion by reducing inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages.
D. Dyspnea on exertion:
Albuterol (Proventil) may help alleviate dyspnea (shortness of breath) on exertion, particularly if it is caused by bronchospasm or exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. By relaxing the muscles around the airways, albuterol can improve airflow and ease breathing difficulties associated with exertion. However, it is important to note that albuterol is primarily indicated for the treatment of acute bronchospasm rather than dyspnea on exertion unrelated to bronchospasm. Other interventions, such as oxygen therapy or addressing underlying cardiovascular conditions, may be necessary to manage dyspnea on exertion in those cases.
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