The nurse prioritizes impaired gas exchange as a problem for a client with an asthma exacerbation. Which of the following is the client’s priority goal?
The client will demonstrate decreased episodes of coughing at night.
The client’s pulse oximetry values will remain above 94% on room air for the majority of the time.
The client’s breath sounds will only have slight wheezing by discharge.
The client will correctly demonstrate the use of a peak flow meter.
The Correct Answer is B
Maintaining adequate oxygenation is the primary goal for a client with impaired gas exchange due to an asthma exacerbation. Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive method to monitor the oxygen saturation of a patient’s blood, and values above 94% indicate sufficient oxygenation.
Choice A reason:
The client will demonstrate decreased episodes of coughing at night is important but not the priority goal. While reducing coughing can improve comfort and sleep quality, it does not directly address the critical issue of impaired gas exchange. The primary concern in an asthma exacerbation is ensuring that the client maintains adequate oxygen levels.
Choice B reason:
The client’s pulse oximetry values will remain above 94% on room air for the majority of the time is the priority goal. This goal directly addresses the issue of impaired gas exchange by ensuring that the client maintains adequate oxygenation. Pulse oximetry values above 94% indicate that the client’s blood is sufficiently oxygenated, which is crucial for preventing hypoxemia and ensuring that the body’s tissues receive enough oxygen to function properly.
Choice C reason:
The client’s breath sounds will only have slight wheezing by discharge is a relevant goal but not the priority. While reducing wheezing is an indicator of improved airway function, it is not as directly measurable or critical as maintaining adequate oxygen saturation. Wheezing can persist even when oxygen levels are adequate, so it is not the most reliable indicator of improved gas exchange.
Choice D reason:
The client will correctly demonstrate the use of a peak flow meter is an important educational goal but not the priority in an acute setting. Proper use of a peak flow meter can help the client monitor their asthma and prevent future exacerbations, but it does not directly address the immediate issue of impaired gas exchange. The priority in an acute asthma exacerbation is to ensure that the client is adequately oxygenated.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Asking if the client has ever had pneumonia does not confirm a diagnosis of chronic bronchitis. Pneumonia is an acute infection of the lungs, whereas chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition characterized by persistent inflammation of the airways. While a history of pneumonia might be relevant to the client’s overall respiratory health, it is not specific to diagnosing chronic bronchitis.
Choice B reason: Inquiring about a recent bronchoscopy does not confirm chronic bronchitis. Bronchoscopy is a diagnostic procedure used to visualize the airways and collect samples, but it is not a criterion for diagnosing chronic bronchitis. The diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms and history rather than recent procedures.
Choice C reason: The question about a consistent cough for three months in the last two years directly relates to the diagnostic criteria for chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis is defined by a productive cough that lasts for at least three months in two consecutive years. This question helps to confirm the chronic nature of the client’s symptoms, which is essential for diagnosis.
Choice D reason: Asking if the client has had the flu in the past year does not confirm chronic bronchitis. Influenza is a viral infection that can cause acute respiratory symptoms, but it is not related to the chronic inflammation seen in chronic bronchitis. This question might be relevant for understanding the client’s recent health history but does not aid in diagnosing chronic bronchitis.
Correct Answer is ["B","C"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Listening to at least one full respiration in each location is a proper technique for respiratory assessment. It ensures that the nurse can accurately assess the breath sounds and identify any abnormalities. This method allows for a thorough evaluation of the respiratory system, ensuring that no areas are missed.
Choice B reason: Instructing the client to breathe in and out rapidly while listening to breath sounds is incorrect. Rapid breathing can lead to hyperventilation and may not provide an accurate representation of the client’s normal breath sounds. The proper technique is to instruct the client to take slow, deep breaths through their mouth, which allows for a more accurate assessment of the breath sounds and any potential abnormalities.
Choice C reason: Listening to breath sounds through the hospital gown or clothing is incorrect. Clothing can interfere with the sounds and may lead to inaccurate assessments. The proper technique is to place the stethoscope directly on the client’s skin to ensure that the breath sounds are heard clearly and accurately.
Choice D reason: Instructing the client to take slow deep breaths through his or her nose is partially correct but not ideal. While slow deep breaths are appropriate, they should be taken through the mouth to ensure that the breath sounds are more pronounced and easier to assess. Breathing through the nose can sometimes muffle the sounds and make it harder to detect abnormalities.
Choice E reason: Listening as the client inhales and then moving to the next site during exhalation is incorrect. The nurse should listen to both the inhalation and exhalation phases of respiration at each site. This ensures a complete assessment of the breath sounds and helps in identifying any abnormalities that may be present during either phase of respiration.
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