An emergency room nurse is assessing a client who has asthma and difficulty breathing. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing status asthmaticus?
Coughing
Flat neck veins
Use of accessory muscles
Presence of coarse crackles
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Coughing: While coughing is a common symptom of asthma, it is not specific to status asthmaticus. It can occur during mild, moderate, or severe asthma episodes and does not necessarily indicate life-threatening severity.
B. Flat neck veins: Flat neck veins are not characteristic of status asthmaticus. In severe respiratory distress, the client may show signs of increased intrathoracic pressure, which can lead to distended neck veins rather than flat ones.
C. Use of accessory muscles: The use of accessory muscles to breathe is a sign of severe respiratory distress and indicates that the client is struggling to maintain adequate ventilation. This is a hallmark of status asthmaticus, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate intervention.
D. Presence of coarse crackles: Coarse crackles are more commonly associated with fluid in the lungs, such as in pneumonia or heart failure. In status asthmaticus, breath sounds may be diminished or absent due to severe airway obstruction, rather than producing crackles.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. The client will be on bed rest while continuous bladder irrigation is in place.: Bed rest is not required solely due to continuous bladder irrigation (CBI). Early ambulation is encouraged postoperatively to prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis and promote recovery.
B. Cold compresses will be used to manage bladder spasms.: Bladder spasms are common after prostate surgery, but they are typically managed with anticholinergic medications, such as oxybutynin, rather than cold compresses.
C. The client will have an NG tube in place for 48 hr postoperatively.: An NG tube is not routinely used following a radical prostatectomy unless the client develops complications like ileus or vomiting. Its use is not part of standard postoperative care.
D. A PCA pump will be used for postoperative pain control.: A patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump is commonly used after major surgeries like a radical prostatectomy to manage pain effectively. It allows the client to self-administer controlled doses of pain medication for optimal comfort.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. "I'm concerned because I'm so tired all the time.": Fatigue is a common manifestation of SLE caused by chronic inflammation, anemia, or medication effects. While it impacts daily function, it is not an immediate threat compared to signs of infection, which can become life-threatening quickly in immunosuppressed clients.
B. "I feel like I'm isolated from all my friends now.": Emotional concerns like isolation are important in managing chronic illness, but they are not urgent physical issues. Addressing psychosocial health is necessary, but it does not take precedence over symptoms that may indicate infection or disease flare.
C. "I've had a fever the last couple of days.": Fever is a priority concern in clients with SLE as it may signal an active infection or disease flare. Immunosuppressive therapy increases the risk of severe infections, which can rapidly worsen if not treated promptly, making this the most urgent issue.
D. "I have a lot of questions about this disease.": Education is vital for long-term disease management and patient empowerment. However, it is not an immediate priority when signs of acute illness, such as fever, are present and require prompt clinical attention.
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