What nursing assessment finding would be associated with a diagnosis of pneumonia in the older adult?
Hypertension
Acute confusion
Hematemesis in the morning.
Dry hacking cough at night
The Correct Answer is B
A. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition in older adults but is not a specific indicator of pneumonia. While blood pressure can fluctuate with illness, it does not directly relate to the diagnosis of pneumonia.
B. Acute confusion is a critical and relevant sign in older adults with pneumonia. This demographic may experience altered mental status due to factors like hypoxia (low oxygen levels), fever, or dehydration. Confusion is often one of the first signs of infection in older patients, making it a significant assessment finding.
C. Hematemesis, which is the vomiting of blood, is not associated with pneumonia. It typically indicates a gastrointestinal issue, such as bleeding from ulcers or varices, rather than respiratory problems. Therefore, this finding would not be relevant to a pneumonia diagnosis.
D. While a cough is indeed a symptom of pneumonia, a dry hacking cough is less typical. Pneumonia generally presents with a productive cough (producing sputum) rather than a dry cough. A dry cough might suggest conditions like bronchitis or asthma.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Rinsing the mouth and spitting after using a steroid inhaler is essential to prevent oral thrush, a common side effect of inhaled corticosteroids. This practice helps clear residual medication from the mouth and throat, reducing the risk of fungal infections.
B. Bronchodilators, such as short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs), should be used before steroid inhalers. The bronchodilator opens the airways, allowing the steroid to reach deeper into the lungs for better efficacy.
C. While some inhalers (like rescue inhalers) may be used on a PRN basis, steroid inhalers are typically prescribed for regular, daily use to manage inflammation and control chronic conditions like asthma or COPD. They are not intended for PRN use only.
D. Frequent oral hygiene helps to reduce the risk of oral thrush and other oral health issues associated with steroid use. Patients should be encouraged to maintain good oral hygiene practices while using inhaled steroids.
E. Holding the breath for about 10 seconds after inhalation allows for better medication absorption in the lungs. This practice helps maximize the efficacy of the inhaled medication.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The ASO titer is a blood test used to detect streptococcal infections, particularly post-streptococcal sequelae like rheumatic fever or glomerulonephritis. It is not related to tuberculosis.
B. The Purified Protein Derivative (PPD) test, also known as the tuberculin skin test (TST), is specifically used to identify exposure to the tuberculosis bacteria. If a person has been exposed, the immune system will react to the PPD injection, causing a localized skin reaction that can be measured after 48-72 hours.
C. While a chest X-ray is an important tool for diagnosing active tuberculosis or assessing lung involvement, it is not the initial test for determining exposure to TB. It is usually ordered after a positive PPD test or when there are clinical symptoms of TB.
D. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a nonspecific marker of inflammation and infection in the body. It does not specifically indicate exposure to tuberculosis and is not used for TB testing.
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