The nurse is assessing an older adult client in the emergency room. Upon assessment, the nurse notes that the client is in the tripod position, has dyspnea at rest, wheezing upon auscultation, and an oxygen saturation level of 91%. What significant health problem might the nurse suspect?
Pneumonia
Chronic emphysema
Pneumothorax
Congestive heart failure
The Correct Answer is B
A. Pneumonia typically presents with fever, productive cough, and crackles rather than wheezing and tripod positioning.
B. Chronic emphysema is correct. The tripod position (leaning forward, hands on knees) is a classic sign of severe obstructive lung disease, such as emphysema or COPD. Wheezing and dyspnea at rest suggest air trapping and difficulty exhaling, which are hallmarks of this condition. The oxygen saturation of 91% is common in COPD patients due to chronic hypoxemia.
C. Pneumothorax presents with sudden onset chest pain, absent breath sounds on one side, and tracheal deviation (if severe) rather than wheezing.
D. Congestive heart failure can cause dyspnea but typically presents with crackles due to pulmonary edema rather than wheezing and tripod positioning.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. "Client denies recent constipation, diarrhea, bowel incontinence, or abdominal pain." is correct because it is the most specific and complete documentation of the client’s subjective report. It ensures clarity, accuracy, and thorough assessment.
A. This is incorrect because stating "within normal limits" is vague and does not specify what was assessed.
B. This is incorrect because stating "problems are not present" is too general and does not include specific symptoms the client was asked about.
C. This is incorrect because "denies gastrointestinal signs and symptoms" lacks specificity regarding which symptoms were assessed.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Malignancy can cause abdominal pain, but it does not typically present with acute sharp pain and involuntary guarding.
B. Aneurysms, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysms, may present with a pulsatile mass and deep, dull pain rather than sharp pain and guarding.
C. Hernias can cause pain, but they typically present with a bulging mass that increases with straining, not sharp pain with reflex guarding.
D. Peritonitis is correct because it causes severe abdominal pain, involuntary guarding, and rebound tenderness due to inflammation of the peritoneum. Reflex guarding is a protective mechanism indicating peritoneal irritation.
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