The nurse is assessing the client diagnosed with COPD. Which of the following would require immediate attention by the nurse?
Use of accessory muscles during inspiration.
Large amounts of thick white sputum
Presence of a barrel chest and clubbing
Oxygen flowmeter set on 8 LPM
The Correct Answer is D
A. Use of accessory muscles during inspiration is common in COPD as clients work harder to breathe. While this indicates respiratory distress, it is not necessarily an immediate emergency.
B. Large amounts of thick white sputum can indicate mucus production, which is common in COPD. If the sputum were yellow or green, it could suggest infection, requiring further assessment.
C. A barrel chest and clubbing are chronic changes in COPD due to prolonged air trapping and hypoxia. These findings do not require immediate intervention.
D. Oxygen flowmeter set on 8 LPM is correct. High-flow oxygen can suppress the hypoxic drive in COPD clients, leading to respiratory depression. The nurse should immediately lower the oxygen to a safer level (typically 1-3 LPM) and monitor the client’s respiratory status.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Immediately notify the provider . A rise in the water seal chamber with inspiration (tidaling) is a normal finding, indicating proper function of the chest drainage system. There is no need for immediate provider notification.
B. Clamp the chest tube near the water seal . Clamping the chest tube can lead to a tension pneumothorax by trapping air inside the pleural space. This action is only done temporarily for specific indications, such as assessing for an air leak or changing the drainage system.
C. Continue to monitor the client . Tidaling (fluctuation of water with inspiration and expiration) is expected in the water seal chamber. The nurse should continue to monitor for any sudden cessation of tidaling (which may indicate obstruction) or continuous bubbling (which may indicate an air leak).
D. Reposition the client toward the left side . Position changes do not affect normal tidaling in a functioning chest tube system. However, frequent repositioning is encouraged to promote lung expansion.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Taking 4 nitroglycerin tablets is incorrect. The maximum dose is 3 tablets, taken 5 minutes apart. If chest pain persists after the third dose, the client should seek emergency help.
B. Calling 911 after only one dose is incorrect. The correct protocol is to take up to three doses before seeking emergency assistance unless symptoms worsen rapidly.
C. Calling 911 immediately before taking nitroglycerin is incorrect. The client should attempt to relieve the chest pain with nitroglycerin before calling for emergency help.
D. Calling 911 if pain persists after taking 3 nitroglycerin tablets 5 minutes apart is correct. Persistent chest pain despite nitroglycerin use suggests a possible myocardial infarction (MI), requiring immediate medical intervention.
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