Patient Data
What finding(s) are cues for a respiratory problem? Select all that apply.
Sitting upright
Tightness in the chest
Medication compliance
Respirations of 28 breaths/minute
Restlessness
Dyspnea
Pulse oxygenation of 85%
Correct Answer : A,B,D,E,F,G
A. Patients with respiratory distress often prefer to sit upright or in a tripod position to ease breathing by allowing maximal lung expansion. Sitting upright helps relieve pressure on the diaphragm and allows better air exchange in the lungs.
B. Chest tightness is a common symptom of various respiratory conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or pneumonia. It can result from bronchoconstriction, inflammation, or accumulation of mucus in the airways, leading to difficulty breathing.
D. An increased respiratory rate (tachypnea) may indicate respiratory distress or difficulty breathing. Tachypnea is a compensatory mechanism to increase oxygen intake or remove carbon dioxide from the body when lung function is compromised.
E. Restlessness can be a cue for a respiratory problem. Patients experiencing respiratory distress may exhibit restlessness due to hypoxia (low oxygen levels), discomfort, or anxiety related to difficulty breathing.
F. Dyspnea, or shortness of breath, is a significant cue for a respiratory problem. It is a common symptom of various respiratory conditions, including asthma, COPD, pneumonia, and pulmonary embolism. Dyspnea may range from mild to severe and can significantly impact the patient's quality of life and functional status.
G. A pulse oxygenation level of 85% indicates hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels) and is a significant cue for a respiratory problem. Hypoxemia can result from various respiratory conditions or inadequate ventilation and may lead to tissue hypoxia and organ dysfunction if left untreated.
C. Medication compliance is not directly indicative of a respiratory problem. However, it may be relevant to managing respiratory conditions if the patient requires medications such as bronchodilators or corticosteroids to control symptoms or prevent exacerbations.
H. While an elevated heart rate (tachycardia) can be associated with respiratory distress, it is not specific to respiratory problems and may occur in response to other stressors or medical conditions.
I. Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight and is not directly indicative of a respiratory problem. However, obesity is a risk factor for respiratory conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea and obesity hypoventilation syndrome.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Meningococcal meningitis is a bacterial infection of the meninges (the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord) caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. It is characterized by symptoms such as severe headache, fever, nuchal rigidity (stiff neck), and a petechial rash on the skin. The petechial rash is a distinguishing feature of meningococcal meningitis and is caused by bleeding into the skin due to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) associated with the infection.
B. A cerebrovascular accident, commonly known as a stroke, occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, leading to tissue damage and neurological deficits. While a stroke can cause symptoms such as headache and neurological deficits, it typically does not present with fever, nuchal rigidity, or a petechial rash.
C. Intracerebral hemorrhage is bleeding within the brain tissue, often due to the rupture of a blood vessel. It can cause symptoms such as headache, neurological deficits, and alterations in consciousness, but it typically does not present with fever, nuchal rigidity, or a petechial rash.
D. Rocky mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium. While RMSF can present with fever and rash, it typically does not present with nuchal rigidity, and the petechial rash associated with RMSF tends to start on the extremities rather than the arms and legs.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Changes in sputum color can indicate exacerbations of COPD, such as infection or increased inflammation in the airways. Darker or greenish sputum may suggest the presence of infection, while changes in consistency or volume can also indicate worsening respiratory status. Promptly notifying the healthcare provider of any change in sputum color allows for timely assessment and appropriate management.
B. Staying indoors during hot and humid temperature is relevant for minimizing exposure to environmental triggers that can exacerbate COPD symptoms, but it may not be as immediately critical
C. Avoiding allergens is important for clients with asthma who are sensitive to allergens but not COPD
D. Foods taken are more relevant in asthmatic patients as opposed to those with COPD.
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