A patient is admitted to a respiratory unit with a diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia. Findings include a fever and a weak, congested-sounding cough with moist crackles throughout the lung fields. How should the nurse prioritize care?
Difficulty with breathing
Inability to clear the airway
Confusion from fever
Inadequate oxygen level
The Correct Answer is B
B. The inability to clear the airway is a critical issue. This patient has a weak, congested-sounding cough and moist crackles, indicating that secretions are present and not being effectively cleared. This can lead to airway obstruction, decreased oxygenation, and further respiratory complications. Clearing the airway is a top priority to ensure the patient can breathe properly and prevent further deterioration.
A. Difficulty breathing (dyspnea) is a serious concern as it can indicate respiratory distress or failure. However, it is often a symptom rather than a primary issue, and its underlying causes (such as an inability to clear the airway or inadequate oxygen levels) must be addressed first.
C. Confusion can result from high fever, infection, or hypoxia. While it is important to address the fever and its underlying cause, confusion itself is usually a secondary issue. Addressing the primary respiratory issues will often improve the patient's mental status as well.
D. Hypoxia can result from severe pneumonia, and resolving it involves ensuring the patient has a clear airway and adequate ventilation. Measuring and correcting oxygen levels (e.g., with supplemental oxygen) is crucial, but the underlying cause (such as airway obstruction) must also be managed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. Raisins are a source of carbohydrates, particularly simple sugars like glucose and fructose, which can quickly raise blood sugar levels during an episode of hypoglycemia. However, they do not contain protein, which can help sustain blood sugar levels over time. Raisins may provide a rapid increase in blood sugar but may not be as effective at preventing subsequent episodes of hypoglycemia.
A. Cheese is a source of protein and contains very little carbohydrate. While protein can help stabilize blood sugar levels, it may not provide a rapid increase in blood sugar during an episode of hypoglycemia. Cheese alone may not be the most effective choice for treating low blood sugar promptly.
B. Beef jerky is primarily a source of protein and may not contain enough carbohydrates to quickly raise blood sugar levels during an episode of hypoglycemia. While protein can help stabilize blood sugar over time, it may not provide the rapid increase in blood sugar needed to address acute hypoglycemia.
D. Chocolate, especially dark chocolate with a high cocoa content, contains carbohydrates in the form of sugar and fat. While it can quickly raise blood sugar levels due to its sugar content, it may not provide sustained energy due to its low protein content.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
A. Diminished breath sounds can occur in emphysema due to decreased air movement through damaged and enlarged air sacs (alveoli). The destruction of alveolar walls reduces the surface area available for gas exchange and can result in decreased breath sounds.
C. Patients with emphysema may use accessory muscles, such as neck and shoulder muscles, to assist with breathing during periods of respiratory distress. These muscles are recruited to help increase the size of the thoracic cavity and improve airflow.
E. A barrel-shaped chest is a common physical finding in patients with emphysema. It results from hyperinflation of the lungs and is characterized by an increased anterior-posterior diameter of the chest. This change in chest shape is due to air trapping in the lungs, leading to overinflation of the alveoli and increased residual volume.
B. Ruddy skin color, which refers to a reddish or flushed complexion, is not typically associated with emphysema. Instead, patients with emphysema may exhibit cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin) during periods of hypoxemia (low oxygen levels).
D. Excess mucus production (mucus hypersecretion) is a characteristic feature of chronic bronchitis, which is often present alongside emphysema in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) but it is not typically a primary feature of emphysema itself.
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