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 B
Explanation
A. A solid, dark brown color alone is not necessarily indicative of melanoma. Melanomas often have multiple colors, including black, brown, blue, or red.
B. Asymmetric, irregular borders is correct. Melanoma lesions are often asymmetrical, with irregular, poorly defined borders. They also tend to have varied pigmentation and may change over time. The ABCDE rule (Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter >6mm, Evolution) is used to assess suspicious moles.
C. Flat with silvery scales describes psoriasis, not melanoma.
D. A diameter of 3 mm is smaller than the typical >6 mm size seen in melanoma.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "You are probably sad about that" assumes the client’s emotions rather than allowing them to express their own feelings.
B. "Are you feeling sad, depressed, angry, or upset?" is a closed-ended question that may limit the client’s ability to fully express emotions.
C. "How does that make you feel right now?" is correct because it is an open-ended question that encourages the client to explore and express their emotions in their own words.
D. "What was the cause of your wife's death?" shifts the focus away from the client’s emotions and may come across as insensitive.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
