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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Having the client cough, then listening again is correct. Sometimes wheezing can be due to mucus or secretions in the airways, and coughing can help clear them. If wheezing persists, further assessment and interventions may be needed.
B. Teaching pursed-lip breathing is beneficial for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients but is not the first action in an acute assessment.
C. Checking O₂ saturation and applying O₂ is important but not the first step. Oxygen therapy is not indicated unless there is evidence of hypoxia.
D. Administering a nebulizer treatment should only be done if wheezing persists and is causing respiratory distress, but the nurse should first confirm that the wheezing is not due to mucus plugging, which may resolve with coughing.

A. To ensure valid conclusions are made when analyzing data. B. To reassess previously detected problems to note any changes. C. To determine the need for crisis intervention. D. To identify strengths and limitations in lifestyle and health status.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Ensuring valid conclusions when analyzing data is part of the initial assessment rather than the purpose of a partial assessment.
B. Reassessing previously detected problems to note any changes is correct because partial assessments are conducted to monitor the client's progress and detect any new or worsening symptoms.
C. Crisis intervention is not the primary purpose of a partial assessment unless a crisis is evident.
D. Identifying strengths and limitations in lifestyle and health status is a component of the initial comprehensive assessment rather than the partial assessment.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is auscultating a client's lungs during the initial assessment of the patient in the emergency room. The nurse hears wheezes on expiration in the lower posterior lobes bilaterally. Which of the following actions should the nurse do first?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse has completed the comprehensive health assessment of a client who has been admitted for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia. Following the completion of this assessment, why does the nurse periodically perform a partial assessment of the client?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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