Patient Data shows that on Day 1, there were no active processes.
On Day 2, there were small bilateral lower lobes pulmonary infiltrates with the right lower lobe showing increased involvement compared to the left side.
What is the likely diagnosis?
Pneumonia
Tuberculosis
Bronchitis
Pulmonary Embolism
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Pneumonia is the most likely diagnosis given the rapid development of pulmonary infiltrates within a 24-hour period. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It typically presents with symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain. The presence of pulmonary infiltrates on imaging studies, such as a chest X-ray, is a key diagnostic feature of pneumonia.
The distribution of the infiltrates, involving the lower lobes with a predominance on the right side, is also consistent with pneumonia. This is because the lower lobes are more susceptible to pneumonia due to their anatomy and gravity.
The absence of active processes on Day 1 makes other diagnoses less likely. For example, tuberculosis typically develops more slowly over weeks or months, and bronchitis usually does not cause pulmonary infiltrates.
Pulmonary embolism can cause pulmonary infiltrates, but it would typically be associated with other symptoms such as sudden onset of shortness of breath, chest pain, and tachycardia.
Choice B rationale:
Tuberculosis is a chronic infection that typically develops slowly over weeks or months. It is less likely to cause rapid development of pulmonary infiltrates as seen in this case.
Tuberculosis often involves the upper lobes of the lungs, and it may be associated with other symptoms such as fever, night sweats, and weight loss.
Choice C rationale:
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi, the large airways that carry air to the lungs. It typically causes a cough, but it does not usually cause pulmonary infiltrates.
Bronchitis is often caused by a virus, and it usually resolves on its own within a few weeks.
Choice D rationale:
Pulmonary embolism is a blockage of a pulmonary artery, one of the blood vessels that carries blood to the lungs. It can cause pulmonary infiltrates, but it would typically be associated with other symptoms such as sudden onset of shortness of breath, chest pain, and tachycardia.
Pulmonary embolism is often caused by a blood clot that travels from a vein in the leg to the lungs.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Hypothermia is a condition in which the body's core temperature falls below 95°F (35°C). It is not directly indicated by the client's vital signs as presented in the question.
Other factors that would more strongly suggest hypothermia include exposure to cold environments, immersion in cold water, or impaired thermoregulation due to conditions like hypothyroidism or alcohol intoxication.
Choice C rationale:
Hypotension is a condition in which blood pressure is abnormally low. It is also not directly indicated by the client's vital signs as presented in the question.
Hypertension, on the other hand, is a condition in which blood pressure is abnormally high.
The client's history of hypertension, and the fact that he takes enalapril (an antihypertensive medication), suggests that he may be more likely to experience hypertension than hypotension.
Choice D rationale:
Hypertension, as mentioned above, is a condition in which blood pressure is abnormally high.
While it's possible that the client is experiencing hypertension, the question specifically asks about the condition indicated by the client's vital signs.
Tachypnea, or rapid breathing, is a more direct indication of the client's respiratory distress, which is a common symptom of pneumonia.
Choice B rationale:
Tachypnea is the most likely condition indicated by the client's vital signs.
Tachypnea is often a sign of respiratory distress, which can be caused by a variety of conditions, including pneumonia. When a person has pneumonia, their lungs become inflamed and filled with fluid, making it difficult to breathe.
This can lead to rapid, shallow breathing, which is called tachypnea.
Other signs of respiratory distress that may be present in a client with pneumonia include: Coughing
Wheezing Chest pain
Feeling short of breath
Use of accessory muscles to breathe (e.g., muscles in the neck and chest) Nasal flaring
Cyanosis (a bluish tint to the skin)
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
While teaching the client about infection prevention measures is important, it is not the most crucial action in this situation. The client is already exhibiting symptoms and has potentially been spreading the virus.
Focusing on isolation at this point is a more effective way to prevent further transmission.
Additionally, the client may be too ill to fully comprehend or adhere to instructions regarding masks, handwashing, and social distancing.
Choice B rationale:
Isolation is the most essential action to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to others. This is because:
COVID-19 is highly contagious and can spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
Isolation physically separates the infected person from others, reducing the risk of transmission.
Proper PPE, such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection, creates a barrier between the healthcare worker and the infectious droplets, further minimizing the risk of spread.
Choice C rationale:
Reporting the COVID-19 result to the local health department is important for tracking and managing the spread of the virus. However, it is not as immediate a priority as isolating the client to prevent further transmission.
Choice D rationale:
Counseling family members about monitoring for symptoms is also important for early identification and containment of potential cases. However, it does not directly address the immediate risk of transmission from the actively symptomatic client.
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