A nurse is listening to the lungs of a hospitalized post-surgical patient and notes diminished breath sounds in the right lower lobe. The patient has an elevated temperature and green sputum. These findings could indicate _____ because of _____.
nosocomial pneumonia; lung tissue atelectasis
lung tissue atelectasis; community-acquired pneumonia
pulmonary edema; right heart failure
pulmonary edema; left heart failure
The Correct Answer is A
A. Nosocomial (hospital-acquired) pneumonia is common in post-surgical patients, particularly those with atelectasis, as diminished ventilation can lead to infection. The green sputum and fever are signs of infection.
B. Lung tissue atelectasis may predispose a patient to pneumonia, but community-acquired pneumonia is less likely in a hospitalized patient, and the green sputum is more indicative of nosocomial infection.
C. Pulmonary edema is associated with fluid in the lungs but does not typically cause green sputum or elevated temperature, which suggest infection.
D. Left heart failure may lead to pulmonary edema but is not associated with green sputum or fever.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Accessory muscle use and nasal flaring may occur, but wheezing on exhalation is more typical in lower respiratory issues, such as asthma.
B. Thick mucus plugs and clubbing of the fingers are often associated with chronic conditions like cystic fibrosis, not croup.
C. Croup is a viral illness commonly presenting with fever, a characteristic “barking” cough, increased respiratory rate, and inspiratory stridor due to upper airway obstruction.
D. Frothy pink sputum and crackles are more indicative of pulmonary edema rather than croup.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Chronic bronchitis leads to airway obstruction due to thickened bronchial walls and excess mucus production, resulting in entrapped air and impaired gas exchange.
B. While chronic inflammation is a component, thin secretions are not characteristic of chronic bronchitis; they are typically thick.
C. Decreased surface area of the alveolocapillary membrane is more relevant in emphysema, not specifically in chronic bronchitis, which primarily affects the airways.
D. Respiratory alkalosis and decreased PCO2 are not indicative of chronic bronchitis; instead, respiratory acidosis is often seen due to airway obstruction and retention of CO2.
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