A patient has been admitted to the emergency department for a suspected drug overdose. His respirations are shallow, with an irregular pattern, at a rate of 12 respirations per minute. The nurse interprets this respiration pattern as which of the following?
Bradypnea
Agonal respirations
Chronic obstructive breathing
Hypoventilation
The Correct Answer is D
A. Bradypnea: Characterized by a regular but abnormally slow respiratory rate, typically fewer than 12 breaths per minute in adults. While the patient’s respiratory rate is 12, the irregular pattern and shallow depth suggest a different pattern rather than simple bradypnea.
B. Agonal respirations: Marked by gasping, labored breaths often seen in severe hypoxia or nearing death. This pattern is typically irregular and associated with brainstem dysfunction, which is not described in this case.
C. Chronic obstructive breathing: Seen in patients with COPD, involving prolonged expiration due to airway obstruction. The patient’s case does not mention an obstructive pattern but rather shallow and irregular respirations.
D. Hypoventilation: Defined by shallow, irregular breathing that leads to inadequate alveolar ventilation, commonly caused by drug overdose, particularly opioids or sedatives. The patient’s presentation of shallow and irregular respirations fits this pattern.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Changes in peripheral vision in response to bright light: This assessment relates more to visual field testing and does not evaluate accommodation. Accommodation specifically involves the ability of the eye to focus on near objects.
B. Pupillary dilation when looking at a near object: Pupillary dilation occurs when focusing on distant objects due to decreased light and increased depth of focus, not during accommodation.
C. Pupillary constriction when looking at a near object: This is the correct assessment for visual accommodation. When a person looks at a near object, the pupils constrict to enhance focus and reduce light entry, aiding in clearer vision of nearby objects. This reaction is part of the accommodation reflex, which also involves changes in lens shape.
D. Involuntary blinking in the presence of bright light: This response is known as the photo pupillary reflex, which involves blinking in reaction to bright light but does not assess accommodation. Accommodation specifically evaluates the eye's ability to focus on objects at different distances.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Thyroid: The thyroid gland produces thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which are essential hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and development. An elevated T4 level typically indicates hyperthyroidism or other thyroid disorders, making it necessary to assess the function and health of the thyroid gland.
B. Parathyroid: The parathyroid glands regulate calcium levels in the blood through the secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH). They do not produce T4 or directly influence thyroid hormone levels, so assessing the parathyroid glands would not be relevant in the context of elevated T4.
C. Adrenal: The adrenal glands produce hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenaline. While adrenal function can impact overall hormonal balance in the body, they are not directly involved in the production of thyroxine (T4), making them unrelated to the assessment for elevated T4 levels.
D. Parotid: The parotid glands are major salivary glands that secrete saliva. They do not play a role in thyroid hormone production or regulation, so assessing the parotid glands would not be appropriate when investigating elevated T4 levels.
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