The nurse provides care for a client diagnosed with pulmonary emphysema. The nurse observes the following: respiratory rate 20 breaths/minute, use of intercostal muscles, and decreased mental alertness. Which is the best explanation for these observations?
Bronchial constriction after inhalation of an irritant
Damage to the mucociliary lining of the segmental bronchi
Infiltration of bacteria and inflammatory exudates into the alveoli
Enlargement of the alveoli with destruction of the alveolar walls
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Bronchial constriction after inhalation of an irritant is a possible trigger for an asthma attack, not emphysema. It causes wheezing, coughing, and dyspnea, but it does not affect the alveolar structure or function.
Choice B reason: Damage to the mucociliary lining of the segmental bronchi is a consequence of chronic bronchitis, not emphysema. It impairs the clearance of mucus and pathogens from the airways, leading to recurrent infections and inflammation.
Choice C reason: Infiltration of bacteria and inflammatory exudates into the alveoli is a sign of pneumonia, not emphysema. It causes fever, chills, productive cough, and chest pain, but it does not cause permanent damage to the alveoli.
Choice D reason: Enlargement of the alveoli with destruction of the alveolar walls is the hallmark of emphysema. It reduces the surface area for gas exchange, increases the dead space, and decreases the elastic recoil of the lungs. It causes tachypnea, use of accessory muscles, and hypoxia, which can lead to decreased mental alertness.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: The client has hypoglycemia during the night and hyperglycemia in the morning is the best explanation because it is the definition of the Somogyi effect, which is a rebound phenomenon that occurs in some people with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a condition where the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, which is a hormone that helps the cells use glucose, which is a sugar that provides energy for the body. The Somogyi effect happens when the blood glucose level drops too low during the night, usually due to taking too much insulin or not eating enough carbohydrates before bedtime. This triggers the release of hormones, such as glucagon, epinephrine, and cortisol, that raise the blood glucose level by stimulating the liver to produce more glucose and by preventing the cells from using glucose. This results in a high blood glucose level in the morning, which is called hyperglycemia.
Choice B reason: The client has not taken the prescribed insulin dose prior to the evening meal is not the best explanation because it is a factor that can cause the opposite of the Somogyi effect, which is the dawn phenomenon. The dawn phenomenon is a condition where the blood glucose level rises in the early morning, usually due to the natural increase of hormones, such as growth hormone and cortisol, that occur during the night. These hormones reduce the effectiveness of insulin and increase the blood glucose level. The dawn phenomenon can be worsened by not taking enough insulin or by eating too many carbohydrates in the evening.
Choice C reason: The client will have an abnormal glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) for the next two months is not the best explanation because it is a consequence, not a cause, of the Somogyi effect. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a test that measures the average blood glucose level over the past two to three months, by showing how much glucose is attached to the hemoglobin, which is the protein that carries oxygen in the red blood cells. The Somogyi effect can cause the HbA1c level to be higher than expected, because it reflects the high blood glucose level in the morning, not the low blood glucose level during the night.
Choice D reason: The client will experience complications earlier than other clients with type 1 diabetes mellitus do is not the best explanation because it is a general statement, not a specific explanation, of the Somogyi effect. The Somogyi effect can increase the risk of complications, such as eye, kidney, nerve, and heart problems, because it causes fluctuations in the blood glucose level, which can damage the blood vessels and the organs. However, the Somogyi effect is not the only factor that can affect the development and progression of complications. Other factors, such as genetics, lifestyle, and comorbidities, can also play a role.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Facial muscle atrophy is not the expected finding because it is a condition where the facial muscles lose their mass and strength, which can be caused by various factors, such as aging, nerve damage, or muscular dystrophy. Facial muscle atrophy is not a common manifestation of myxedema, which is a severe form of hypothyroidism, which is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, which regulate the metabolism and growth of the body.
Choice B reason: Facial and periorbital edema is the expected finding because it is a characteristic manifestation of myxedema, which is caused by the accumulation of mucopolysaccharides, which are complex carbohydrates that are normally found in the connective tissues. Mucopolysaccharides can attract water and cause swelling of the tissues, especially in the face and around the eyes. Facial and periorbital edema can also cause the facial features to appear coarse and puffy, and the eyelids to droop.
Choice C reason: Facial muscle twitching is not the expected finding because it is a condition where the facial muscles contract involuntarily, which can be caused by various factors, such as stress, fatigue, or caffeine. Facial muscle twitching is not a common manifestation of myxedema, which can cause the facial muscles to become weak and slow, and the facial expressions to become dull and flat.
Choice D reason: Unilateral ptosis is not the expected finding because it is a condition where one eyelid droops lower than the other, which can be caused by various factors, such as nerve damage, stroke, or tumor. Unilateral ptosis is not a common manifestation of myxedema, which can cause bilateral ptosis, which is the drooping of both eyelids, due to the edema and weakness of the eyelid muscles.
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