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 D
Explanation
D. Swimming is a low-impact exercise that is gentle on the joints and can provide numerous benefits for individuals with osteoarthritis. The buoyancy of water reduces stress on the joints while allowing for a full range of motion, making swimming an ideal exercise for improving joint flexibility, muscle strength, and cardiovascular fitness without exacerbating symptoms of osteoarthritis. Additionally, swimming can help relieve joint pain and stiffness and improve overall physical function in older adults with osteoarthritis.
A. Jogging or running can place significant stress on the joints, particularly the knees and hips, which may exacerbate symptoms of osteoarthritis and increase the risk of joint injury. High- impact activities like jogging or running are generally not recommended for individuals with osteoarthritis, especially in weight-bearing joints.
B. While engaging in daily activities can provide some level of physical activity, it may not be sufficient for managing osteoarthritis symptoms or improving joint function. Older adults with osteoarthritis can benefit from structured exercise programs tailored to their needs, which may include a variety of exercises aimed at improving joint flexibility, strength, and overall physical function.
C. Tennis or racquetball are high-impact sports that involve repetitive movements and may exacerbate joint pain and stiffness in individuals with osteoarthritis, particularly in the wrists, elbows, and shoulders. Engaging in these activities can increase the risk of joint injury and may not be suitable for older adults with osteoarthritis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. Severe edema is a common finding in venous insufficiency and is often present in the lower extremities. Venous hypertension leads to fluid leakage from capillaries, resulting in edema, which contributes to the development of venous ulcers. Venous ulcers typically have irregular shapes with irregular wound margins and may appear shallow or superficial.
A. Absent pedal pulses suggest arterial insufficiency, as reduced blood flow compromises peripheral circulation. Shiny skin, known as "thinning of the skin," is a characteristic finding in arterial insufficiency due to chronic ischemia and tissue hypoxia.
C. Hair loss on the lower extremities is a common finding in arterial insufficiency due to decreased blood flow to the hair follicles.
D. Black ulcers (gangrene) are indicative of tissue necrosis resulting from severe arterial insufficiency and lack of oxygen supply to the tissues. Dependent rubor refers to redness of the lower extremities when the legs are in a dependent position.

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