After an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the nurse prepares an older adult for discharge to home. Which is the most important client teaching for the nurse to include for the prevention of hospitalizations for exacerbations of COPD?
Avoid sick people and wash hands
Use low-flow oxygen for dyspnea
Ease breathing by sitting upright
Eat nutrient- and calorie-dense foods
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Avoiding sick people and washing hands is the most important client teaching for the nurse to include for the prevention of hospitalizations for exacerbations of COPD, as it can reduce the exposure to respiratory infections, which are the main cause of COPD exacerbations. The nurse would advise the older adult to stay away from people who have colds, flu, or other contagious illnesses, and to wash their hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Choice B reason: Using low-flow oxygen for dyspnea is a possible client teaching for the nurse to include for the prevention of hospitalizations for exacerbations of COPD, but it is not the most important one, as it depends on the severity of the condition and the oxygen saturation level of the patient. The nurse would advise the older adult to use oxygen therapy as prescribed by their doctor, and to monitor their oxygen level with a pulse oximeter.
Choice C reason: Easing breathing by sitting upright is a helpful client teaching for the nurse to include for the prevention of hospitalizations for exacerbations of COPD, but it is not the most important one, as it is a supportive measure that does not address the underlying cause of the exacerbation. The nurse would advise the older adult to sit upright or lean forward when they have difficulty breathing, and to use pursed-lip breathing or abdominal breathing techniques.
Choice D reason: Eating nutrient- and calorie-dense foods is a beneficial client teaching for the nurse to include for the prevention of hospitalizations for exacerbations of COPD, but it is not the most important one, as it is a long-term strategy that does not prevent the immediate risk of exacerbation. The nurse would advise the older adult to eat a balanced diet that provides enough protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals, and to avoid foods that can cause gas, bloating, or reflux.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because baroreceptor function diminishes with age, and this can affect the regulation of blood pressure and heart rate. Baroreceptors are sensory receptors that detect changes in blood pressure and send signals to the brain to adjust the heart rate and blood vessel tone accordingly. When a person exercises, the blood pressure and heart rate increase to meet the increased oxygen demand of the muscles. When a person stops exercising, the blood pressure and heart rate should decrease gradually to return to the resting state. However, if a person does not cool down properly after exercising, the blood pressure and heart rate can drop suddenly, causing dizziness, fainting, or cardiac arrhythmias. This is especially true for older adults, whose baroreceptors are less sensitive and responsive to blood pressure changes. Therefore, the nurse should instruct the older man to cool down after exercising to prevent these complications.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because sensory perception diminishes with age, but this is not related to the importance of cooling down after exercising. Sensory perception is the ability to perceive stimuli from the environment, such as sight, hearing, touch, smell, or taste. Sensory perception can decline with age due to various factors, such as age-related changes in the sensory organs, nerve damage, or diseases. This can affect the quality of life, communication, and safety of older adults, but it does not explain why cooling down after exercising is important.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because cardiac output diminishes with age, but this is not related to the importance of cooling down after exercising. Cardiac output is the amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute, and it depends on the heart rate and the stroke volume. Cardiac output can decline with age due to various factors, such as age-related changes in the heart muscle, valves, or arteries, or diseases. This can affect the ability of the heart to meet the oxygen demand of the body, especially during exercise, but it does not explain why cooling down after exercising is important.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because mobility capacity decreases with age, but this is not related to the importance of cooling down after exercising. Mobility capacity is the ability to move and perform physical activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, or lifting objects. Mobility capacity can decrease with age due to various factors, such as age-related changes in the muscles, bones, or joints, or diseases. This can affect the functional status, independence, and well-being of older adults, but it does not explain why cooling down after exercising is important.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Cognitive disorders are conditions that affect the mental functions, such as memory, reasoning, judgment, or orientation. Cognitive disorders can increase the risk of falls by impairing the awareness, attention, or decision-making of the client.
Choice B reason: Antibiotics are not a factor that requires particular attention when assessing a client who has a history of falls. Antibiotics are medications that treat bacterial infections, and they do not directly affect the risk of falls. However, some antibiotics may have side effects, such as dizziness, nausea, or diarrhea, that can indirectly increase the risk of falls.
Choice C reason: Orthostatic hypotension is a condition where the blood pressure drops significantly when changing position, such as standing up from sitting or lying down. Orthostatic hypotension can cause symptoms, such as lightheadedness, fainting, or blurred vision, that can increase the risk of falls.
Choice D reason: Vision is the sense of sight that allows the perception of the environment and the detection of potential hazards. Vision can decline with age or due to various eye diseases or injuries. Poor vision can increase the risk of falls by affecting the depth perception, contrast sensitivity, or visual field of the client.
Choice E reason: Balance is the ability to maintain the body's center of gravity over its base of support. Balance can be affected by various factors, such as inner ear problems, muscle weakness, joint stiffness, or medication use. Poor balance can increase the risk of falls by impairing the stability and coordination of the client.
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