Given the patient’s history and physical assessment findings, what is the most probable condition the patient has, and what could it be related to?
Asthma related to environmental factors
COPD related to smoking
Pneumonia related to bacterial infection
Tuberculosis related to Mycobacterium tuberculosis
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
The patient’s history of asthma, previous hospitalizations for asthma-related symptoms, and the current presentation of difficulty breathing and wheezing suggest that she is likely experiencing an asthma exacerbation related to environmental factors. Asthma is a chronic condition that can cause symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness, which the patient is currently experiencing. Environmental factors such as allergens, air pollution, and changes in weather can trigger asthma symptoms.
Choice B rationale
While smoking is a major risk factor for COPD, the patient denies smoking. Additionally, COPD is more common in older adults, and the patient is only 22 years old. Therefore, it is less likely that her symptoms are due to COPD.
Choice C rationale
Pneumonia is typically associated with additional symptoms such as fever, cough with phlegm, and chest pain. The patient’s symptoms do not align with a typical presentation of pneumonia.
Choice D rationale
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that typically presents with a chronic cough, weight loss, and night sweats. The patient’s symptoms do not align with a typical presentation of tuberculosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Using the inhaler only when the patient is really short of breath is not an incorrect use of the inhaler. However, it might indicate that the patient is not managing their COPD effectively, as rescue inhalers like albuterol are meant to be used for quick relief of acute symptoms.
Choice B rationale
Having a hard time inhaling and holding the breath after squeezing the inhaler might suggest that the patient is not using the inhaler correctly. However, the patient’s statement that they “do their best” suggests that they are aware of the correct technique and are trying to follow it.
Choice C rationale
Swallowing after squeezing the inhaler is a clear indication of incorrect use. The medication from the inhaler is meant to be inhaled into the lungs, not swallowed. Swallowing the medication would lead to less of it reaching the lungs, reducing its effectiveness. The wave of nausea the patient experiences could be a side effect of swallowing the medication.
Choice D rationale
Shaking the inhaler several times before starting is actually part of the correct technique for using many types of inhalers.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
In a patient with a recent exacerbation of heart failure who is feeling uncomfortable and anxious, with a sensation of flopping in the chest, the rhythm of the apical pulse should be prioritized. This is because changes in heart rhythm can indicate worsening heart failure or other serious cardiac conditions.
Choice B rationale
While the volume of pedal pulses can provide information about peripheral circulation, it is not as immediately relevant as the rhythm of the apical pulse in a patient with heart failure experiencing discomfort and anxiety.
Choice C rationale
The degree of skin elasticity can provide information about hydration status, but it is not as immediately relevant as the rhythm of the apical pulse in a patient with heart failure experiencing discomfort and anxiety.
Choice D rationale
The length of capillary refill can provide information about peripheral circulation and overall cardiovascular status, but it is not as immediately relevant as the rhythm of the apical pulse in a patient with heart failure experiencing discomfort and anxiety.
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