A nurse on a Medical-Surgical unit is performing an assessment on a client who has COPD with emphysema. The client reports that he has a frequent wet cough and is occasionally short-of-breath. The nurse should anticipate which of the following assessment findings for this client?

Petechiae on the chest.

Increased anteroposterior diameter of the chest.

Oxygen saturation level 96%.

Respiratory alkalosis.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

The correct answer is choice B. Increased anteroposterior diameter of the chest.

Choice A rationale:

Petechiae on the chest (Choice A) are tiny red or purple spots that appear on the skin due to small blood vessel breakage. They are not typically associated with COPD and emphysema. Petechiae are more often related to conditions like thrombocytopenia or certain infections, where blood clotting is impaired.

Choice B rationale:

Increased anteroposterior diameter of the chest, often referred to as "barrel chest," is a characteristic finding in clients with COPD and emphysema. This occurs due to the hyperinflation of the lungs and the loss of elasticity in the lung tissues, which causes the chest to become rounded and the ribs to be positioned more horizontally.

Choice C rationale:

An oxygen saturation level of 96% (Choice C) is within the normal range for oxygen saturation. However, while it's important for clients with COPD to maintain adequate oxygen levels, this value doesn't specifically correlate with the client's symptoms of a wet cough and occasional shortness of breath.

Choice D rationale:

Respiratory alkalosis (Choice D) involves an increase in blood pH due to decreased levels of carbon dioxide (hypocapnia) caused by hyperventilation. While respiratory alkalosis can occur in clients with COPD due to compensatory hyperventilation, it is not a direct assessment finding related to the client's symptoms of a wet cough and occasional shortness of breath.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Re-measuring the respiratory rate is unnecessary. The reported respiratory rate falls within the normal range of 12-20 breaths per minute for adults.

Choice B rationale:

Re-measuring the temperature is the correct action. Tympanic temperature measurements can be influenced by factors such as earwax buildup, ear infection, or improper placement of the thermometer. Repeating the temperature measurement ensures accuracy.

Choice C rationale:

Re-measuring the pulse rate is unnecessary. The reported pulse rate of 92 beats per minute falls within the normal range of 60-100 beats per minute for adults.

Choice D rationale:

Re-measuring the blood pressure is unnecessary. The reported blood pressure of 88/58 mm Hg, while at the lower end of the normal range (typically around 90/60 mm Hg), is not excessively low and doesn't indicate an immediate need for concern.

A. Apply a moisture barrier ointment to the client's skin. B. Request a prescription for the insertion of an indwelling urinary catheter. C. Reposition the client every 8 hours to prevent skin breakdown. D. Check the client's skin every 8 hours for signs of breakdown.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Applying a moisture barrier ointment helps protect the skin from the effects of moisture exposure due to urinary incontinence. Prolonged exposure to urine can lead to skin breakdown, irritation, and infection. A moisture barrier ointment creates a protective barrier, reducing the risk of skin damage.

Choice B rationale:

Requesting a prescription for an indwelling urinary catheter is not typically the first intervention to prevent skin breakdown in clients with urinary incontinence. Catheters carry their own set of risks, including infection, and should be considered after other interventions have been explored.

Choice C rationale:

Repositioning the client every 8 hours is important for preventing pressure ulcers but may not be sufficient to prevent skin breakdown due to urinary incontinence. Clients with urinary incontinence should be repositioned more frequently to address the effects of moisture.

Choice D rationale:

Checking the client's skin every 8 hours is an important step, but it alone may not effectively prevent skin breakdown. Incontinence-associated dermatitis can develop quickly, so it's essential to implement protective measures like using a moisture barrier ointment.

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A nurse on a Medical-Surgical unit is performing an assessment on a client who has COPD with emphysema. The client reports that he has a frequent wet cough and is occasionally short-of-breath. The nurse should anticipate which of the following assessment findings for this client?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

An assistive personnel (AP) reports a client's vital signs as tympanic temperature 37.1° C (98.8° F), pulse 92/min, respiratory rate 18/min, and BP 88/58 mm Hg. Which of the following vital signs should the nurse re-measure?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has urinary incontinence. Which of the following actions should the nurse implement to prevent the development of skin breakdown?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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