A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen therapy at 2 L/min via nasal cannula. After assessing the patient, the nurse notes increased drowsiness and a decreased respiratory rate. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?
Increase the oxygen flow rate to 4 L/min to improve oxygenation.
Switch the patient to a non-rebreather mask for better oxygenation.
Continue to monitor the patient closely and reassess in 30 minutes.
Reduce the oxygen flow rate to 1 L/min and notify the healthcare provider.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Increasing the oxygen flow rate could worsen respiratory depression in patients with COPD, as they rely on low oxygen levels to stimulate breathing.
B. Switching to a non-rebreather mask could further elevate the oxygen levels and may lead to hypoventilation or respiratory distress.
C. Monitoring the patient closely and reassessing in 30 minutes might be appropriate if the patient shows no immediate signs of respiratory distress, but the priority is to address the decreased respiratory rate.
D. Reducing the oxygen flow rate to 1 L/min and notifying the healthcare provider is the most appropriate action, as it may reduce the risk of respiratory depression caused by excessive oxygen.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Mast cells play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of asthma. They release histamine and other inflammatory mediators, which contribute to airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction in status asthmaticus.
B. T lymphocytes are involved in the immune response during asthma exacerbations. They release cytokines that further drive inflammation and airway remodeling in status asthmaticus.
C. Hyperreactivity is a characteristic of asthma, but it is a result of inflammation, rather than being a direct cause of the circulatory surge of inflammatory cells and cytokines.
D. Inflammation is a central feature of status asthmaticus. It leads to airway narrowing, increased mucus production, and the recruitment of inflammatory cells, contributing to severe symptoms.
E. Epithelial cells are involved in airway inflammation and repair. They release pro-inflammatory cytokines that attract immune cells to the site of infection or irritation, contributing to airway obstruction in asthma.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A complete blood count (CBC) can be helpful in identifying anemia or infection but does not confirm Helicobacter pylori infection.
B. Serum amylase test helps in diagnosing pancreatitis, not gastritis. It is not appropriate for confirming
H. pylori infection.
C. A fecal occult blood test detects hidden blood in the stool, which may be present in conditions like
gastric ulcers, but it doesn’t specifically diagnose H. pylori infection.
D. The urea breath test is a non-invasive and highly effective diagnostic tool for detecting Helicobacter pylori infection. It helps identify the presence of the bacteria by detecting the breakdown of urea in the stomach, which is metabolized by H. pylori.
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