A one-day post-operative client complains of having a lot of mucus in his throat and is having a difficult time moving it to his mouth so he can spit it out. The client is reluctant to perform coughing and deep breathing due to pain. Based on the data, the priority problem that the nurse could assign to this patient is:
activity intolerance.
ineffective breathing pattern.
ineffective gas exchange.
ineffective airway clearance.
The Correct Answer is D
D. This refers to the inability to clear secretions or obstructions from the respiratory tract to maintain airway patency. Based on the client's complaint of difficulty moving mucus from the throat to the mouth for expectoration, ineffective airway clearance is the priority problem. The client's reluctance to cough and deep breathe due to pain further exacerbates this issue, as effective airway clearance is crucial for preventing complications such as respiratory infections or atelectasis post-operatively.
A. Activity intolerance refers to insufficient physiological or psychological energy to endure or complete required or desired daily activities. In the case of a one-day post-operative client experiencing difficulty clearing mucus, activity intolerance is not the priority problem. The client's main issue is related to respiratory function and airway clearance rather than overall activity tolerance.
B. This refers to abnormal respiratory rate, depth, or rhythm that does not provide adequate ventilation. While the client's complaint of difficulty moving mucus and reluctance to cough or deep breathe suggests some respiratory discomfort, the main issue appears to be the inability to effectively clear airway secretions rather than an overall ineffective breathing pattern.
C. This refers to the inability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide across the alveolar-capillary membranes. While mucus in the throat can potentially affect gas exchange if it obstructs airflow significantly, the client's primary complaint is about difficulty clearing mucus rather than signs and symptoms of inadequate oxygenation or ventilation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. Delirium is often reversible once the underlying cause is identified and treated (e.g., correcting electrolyte imbalances, managing infections, discontinuing medications contributing to delirium). With appropriate intervention, the mental status can improve, and the individual can return to their baseline cognitive function.
A. Dementia, on the other hand, is a chronic, progressive syndrome that primarily affects memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday activities. It does not typically cause acute changes in consciousness.
B. Memory impairment is a hallmark feature of dementia, especially in the early stages. In contrast, delirium primarily affects attention, awareness, and cognition acutely, with memory impairment being variable and not a defining feature.
D. Delirium develops rapidly, often over hours to days, in response to an acute medical condition, medication change, or other factors. It is characterized by a fluctuating course and can resolve once the underlying cause is managed.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. It acknowledges the client's emotions by expressing empathy ("I am sad for you") and offering support ("I'll stay with you for a while if you need to talk"). This approach validates the client's grief, acknowledges the significance of their loss, and offers the opportunity for the client to express their feelings if they choose to do so.
A. This can inadvertently minimize the client's grief by suggesting that the nurse's losses are comparable or that the nurse understands the client's emotions completely.
B. It does not acknowledge or validate the client's current emotions and may overlook the complex feelings associated with losing a parent.
C. This response, although intended to provide encouragement, may not be therapeutic in the context of immediate grief. It suggests a future positive outcome from the loss without acknowledging the client's current emotional pain.
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