After change of shift, the nurse has the following patients on her assignment. Which one should she see first?
A 50-year-old with COPD and a Spo2 of 90%
A 72-year-old with pneumonia who needs his antibiotic
A 37-year-old with asthma who reported that he is still having shortness of breath after using his inhaler
A68-year-old on a CPAP who needs a sputum specimen sent to the lab
The Correct Answer is C
C. Persistent shortness of breath after using an inhaler could indicate an inadequate response to treatment or worsening asthma exacerbation. The nurse should therefore see this patient first.
A. In COPD patients pulse oximetry oxygen saturations of more than 90% are acceptable. In the treatment of exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), oxygen should be titrated to achieve a target oxygen saturation range of 88-92%. This results in a greater than twofold reduction in mortality, compared with the routine administration of high-concentration oxygen therapy.
B. Administering antibiotics can be prioritized, but it may not require immediate attention compared to addressing acute respiratory distress or hypoxemia.
D. Collecting a sputum specimen for laboratory analysis is important for diagnosing and managing respiratory infections, but it may not be as time-sensitive as addressing acute respiratory distress or hypoxemia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. This range is generally considered acceptable for most patients with COPD. It provides a balance between ensuring adequate oxygenation while avoiding the risk of oxygen toxicity. Oxygen saturation levels within this range can help alleviate symptoms of hypoxemia without causing hyperoxia.
B. Oxygen saturation levels below 90% can lead to significant hypoxemia and exacerbate respiratory distress in individuals with COPD. Maintaining oxygen saturation levels above 90% is typically recommended to prevent complications associated with hypoxemia.
C. This range is appropriate for some patients but it may not be ideal for all patients with COPD. Oxygen saturation levels at the higher end of this range (e.g., 100%) can increase the risk of oxygen toxicity in patients with COPD who retain carbon dioxide (CO2) due to their chronic respiratory condition.
D. Oxygen saturation levels within this range help to balance the need for oxygen supplementation with the risk of hyperoxia and oxygen toxicity. However, individual patient factors, such as the severity of COPD, baseline oxygen saturation levels, and comorbidities, should be considered when determining the target range for oxygen saturation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. The priority focus in the acute management of hyperosmolar hyperglycemia is improving hydration status. Patients with HHS are severely dehydrated due to the osmotic diuresis caused by extremely high blood glucose levels. Rapid rehydration is critical to prevent shock, improve organ perfusion, and reduce blood glucose levels.
A. It's important to consider age-related changes in any patient but this is not the immediate priority in the acute management of hyperosmolar hyperglycemia. The primary concern is addressing the acute, life-threatening aspects of the condition.
B. Monitoring blood glucose levels is critical in managing hyperosmolar hyperglycemia. However, while it is essential to track the BG levels to guide insulin therapy and assess the response to treatment, it is not the immediate priority in terms of interventions needed to stabilize the patient initially.
C. Determining the underlying cause of hyperosmolar hyperglycemia, such as an infection or other illness, is important for comprehensive treatment. However, it is a secondary priority to stabilizing the patient’s current acute condition.
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