The nurse is assessing a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who is reporting dyspnea. The nurse auscultates the patient's chest and hears wheezing throughout the lung fields. What does this finding indicate to the nurse about this patient?
Bronchoconstriction
Pulmonary edema
Hemoptysis
Pneumothorax
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Wheezing is a typical sound heard during bronchoconstriction, which occurs in conditions like asthma and COPD. It indicates that the airways are narrowed, causing the characteristic sound.
Choice B reason: Pulmonary edema typically presents with crackles or rales rather than wheezing. Wheezing would not be the primary indication of this condition.
Choice C reason: Hemoptysis refers to coughing up blood and does not typically present with wheezing. It might present with other sounds if there is an underlying lung issue, but wheezing is not specific to it.
Choice D reason: Pneumothorax generally presents with decreased or absent breath sounds on one side, not wheezing. It occurs when air enters the pleural space, causing lung collapse.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Potassium supplements can actually be important for patients on diuretic therapy, especially if they are taking loop diuretics like furosemide, which can cause potassium loss. However, it is important to monitor potassium levels and follow the physician's guidance on supplement use.
Choice B reason: Instructing the patient to take diuretics at bedtime is not recommended. Diuretics should be taken in the morning to avoid frequent urination during the night, which can disrupt sleep.
Choice C reason: Notifying the physician if weight increases by three pounds in one week is a key instruction for patients with heart failure. Rapid weight gain can indicate fluid retention and worsening heart failure, requiring prompt medical evaluation and adjustment of treatment.
Choice D reason: Administering diuretics in the morning and notifying the physician of decreased urine output is important, but the focus on notifying the physician about significant weight gain provides a more specific and actionable guideline for managing heart failure.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: The patient with heart failure whose pulse oximetry is 94% on 2L oxygen is stable at the moment. While they require monitoring, they do not take immediate priority over the patient with altered consciousness.
Choice B reason: Altered level of consciousness and restlessness are critical symptoms that require immediate assessment. These could indicate a life-threatening condition such as hypoxia, electrolyte imbalance, or stroke, necessitating prompt evaluation and intervention.
Choice C reason: The patient with dyspnea on exertion who wants to be discharged against medical advice is important, but altered consciousness takes precedence due to its potential severity.
Choice D reason: The patient with an ejection fraction of 50% and 2+ bilateral lower extremity edema is stable and does not require immediate intervention compared to the patient with altered consciousness.
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