During a home visit, the nurse should evaluate the effectiveness of a client's treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by assessing for which primary symptom?
Tachycardia.
Edem of the ankles.
Dyspneal.
Unilateral diminished breath sounds.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Tachycardia, or a rapid heart rate, can be a symptom associated with COPD, especially during exacerbations or due to medication effects. However, it is not the primary symptom used to evaluate the effectiveness of COPD treatment.
Choice B reason: Edem of the ankles can occur in COPD patients due to right-sided heart failure (cur pulmonale) associated with chronic lung disease. While it is an important symptom to monitor, it is not the primary indicator of COPD treatment effectiveness.
Choice C reason: Dyspneal, or difficulty breathing, is the most significant and primary symptom of COPD. The primary goal of COPD treatment is to improve the client's breathing and reduce dyspneal. Assessing the client's level of breathlessness provides direct insight into how well the treatment is managing the condition.
Choice D reason: Unilateral diminished breath sounds can indicate localized issues such as pneumothorax or pleural effusion rather than the overall effectiveness of COPD treatment. Bilateral lung sounds and general respiratory status are more relevant to evaluating COPD management.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Gaining weight over six months can affect overall health and potentially exacerbate asthma symptoms by increasing the workload on the respiratory system. However, it is not an immediate trigger for asthma exacerbation.
Choice B reason: A family member contracting viral influenza poses a risk of the client catching the virus, which can exacerbate asthma. However, it is not a direct trigger of the asthma exacerbation unless the client actually contracts the virus.
Choice C reason: A family history of lung disease can indicate a genetic predisposition to respiratory issues, but it is not an immediate trigger for an asthma exacerbation.
Choice D reason: Cleaning with household supplies is a significant trigger for asthma exacerbation. Many cleaning products contain strong chemicals that can irritate the airways and provoke an asthma attack. This is the most immediate and direct cause of the client's asthma complications among the given options.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Serum potassium of 5.0 me/L and serum sodium of 138 me/L are within normal ranges and do not reflect the expected electrolyte imbalances due to dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea.
Choice B reason: Serum potassium of 4.5 me/L and serum sodium of 140 me/L are also within normal ranges. This does not reflect the typical imbalance caused by dehydration.
Choice C reason: Serum potassium of 3.5 me/L and serum sodium of 142 me/L are normal values. They do not indicate the electrolyte disturbances expected with dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea.
Choice D reason: Serum potassium of 3.0 me/L indicates hypokalaemia (low potassium), and serum sodium of 149 me/L indicates hypernatremia (high sodium). These imbalances are expected in a client with a history of fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, as these conditions can lead to loss of potassium and concentration of sodium due to dehydration.
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