The nurse is caring for an adult patient with a respiratory rate of 32 breaths/minute. Which term will the nurse use to document this finding in the patient's chart?
Bradypnea
Apnea
Tachypnea
Eupnea
The Correct Answer is C
A. Bradypnea refers to an abnormally slow respiratory rate, typically below 12 breaths per minute in an adult. A rate of 32 breaths/min is too fast to be considered bradypnea.
B. Apnea is the absence of breathing for a prolonged period. Since the patient has a respiratory rate of 32 breaths/min, apnea does not apply.
C. Tachypnea is defined as a rapid respiratory rate exceeding 20 breaths per minute in an adult. A rate of 32 breaths/min indicates tachypnea, which may be caused by conditions such as fever, anxiety, or respiratory distress.
D. Eupnea refers to normal breathing, with a respiratory rate between 12–20 breaths per minute. A rate of 32 breaths/min is too high to be considered eupnea.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Narrowing of the inferior vena cava, causing low blood flow and increases in venous pressure resulting in varicosities. The inferior vena cava does not significantly narrow with aging. Varicosities are more commonly due to valve insufficiency in the veins rather than vena cava narrowing.
B. Progressive atrophy of the intramuscular calf veins, causing venous insufficiency. Venous insufficiency is common in older adults, but it is primarily due to valve dysfunction and prolonged venous pressure rather than atrophy of calf veins.
C. Peripheral blood vessels growing more rigid with age, producing a rise in systolic blood pressure. Aging leads to arteriosclerosis, where blood vessels become stiffer, reducing their ability to expand and contract, which contributes to increased systolic blood pressure. This is a well-documented normal physiologic change in older adults.
D. Hormonal changes causing vasodilation and a resulting drop in blood pressure. While some hormonal changes occur with aging, they do not typically lead to significant vasodilation. In fact, the loss of vascular elasticity and autonomic dysfunction can contribute to postural hypotension, but not a generalized drop in blood pressure.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Brachial artery. The brachial pulse is commonly used in infants but is not the best choice for assessing circulation in an unconscious adult.
B. Carotid artery. The carotid artery is the preferred site for assessing a pulse in an unconscious adult because it is a central pulse with strong circulation, even in low-perfusion states.
C. Radial artery. The radial pulse is a peripheral pulse and may be difficult to palpate if the patient has poor circulation or cardiac arrest. The carotid pulse is more reliable in emergencies.
D. Apical artery. There is no apical artery; the apical pulse is auscultated over the heart with a stethoscope and is not used in emergency pulse checks.
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