Which medication should the nurse question for a client admitted with an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Ceftriaxone, with a white blood cell count of 16,000 u/L.

Zafirlukast, with an AST of 30 units/L and ALT of 20 units/L.

Theophylline, with a theophylline level of 21 mg/dL.

Prednisone, with a glucose level of 110 mg/dL.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A Reason
Ceftriaxone is an antibiotic that may be prescribed during COPD exacerbations to treat or prevent infection. A white blood cell count of 16,000 u/L indicates an elevated level, which could be a response to infection. Therefore, ceftriaxone would be appropriate, and there is no need to question this medication based on the white blood cell count.

Choice B Reason
Zafirlukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used for the prophylactic treatment of asthma, and it may be used off-label for COPD. AST and ALT levels are liver enzymes, and the values provided (AST of 30 units/L and ALT of 20 units/L) are within normal ranges. Thus, there is no immediate concern regarding liver function that would prompt the nurse to question the use of zafirlukast.

Choice C Reason
Theophylline is a bronchodilator used in the treatment of COPD. However, a theophylline level of 21 mg/dL is above the therapeutic range, which is generally considered to be 5-15 mg/dL. Levels above 20 mg/dL are associated with toxicity and can lead to serious side effects such as seizures or arrhythmias. Therefore, the nurse should question this medication due to the high theophylline level.

Choice D Reason
Prednisone is a corticosteroid that may be used to reduce inflammation during COPD exacerbations. A glucose level of 110 mg/dL is slightly elevated but may be expected as corticosteroids can increase blood sugar levels. This would not typically be a reason to question the use of prednisone unless the patient has poorly controlled diabetes or other specific contraindications.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A Reason:
A side-lying position with the head elevated may provide some comfort but is not the most effective position for reducing the work of breathing in emphysema patients. This position does not maximize lung expansion or aid in the optimal use of respiratory muscles.

Choice B Reason:
The Trendelenburg position, where the body is laid flat on the back with the feet higher than the head, is not recommended for emphysema patients as it can increase the pressure on the diaphragm, making breathing more difficult.

Choice C Reason:
Leaning over the bedside table, often referred to as the tripod position, is beneficial for emphysema patients. This position allows for the optimal use of respiratory muscles and helps to reduce the work of breathing by supporting the arms and allowing the shoulder girdle muscles to assist in the breathing process.

Choice D Reason:
Fowler's position, where the patient is seated with the legs either bent or straight out in front, may not be as effective as the tripod position for emphysema patients. While it does allow for better lung expansion than lying flat, it does not provide the same level of support for the respiratory muscles as leaning forward does.

A. Bradycardia. B. Tremors. C. Kussmaul's respirations. D. Polyuria.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A Reason
Bradycardia, which is a slower than normal heart rate, is not typically a sign of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia can actually cause an increase in heart rate due to the release of adrenaline in response to low blood sugar levels.

Choice B Reason
Tremors are a common sign of hypoglycemia and are caused by the release of adrenaline. When blood sugar levels fall too low, the body releases adrenaline as a part of the "fight or flight" response, which can lead to shaking or trembling.

Choice C Reason
Kussmaul's respirations, which are deep and labored breathing patterns, are more commonly associated with diabetic ketoacidosis, not hypoglycemia. This type of breathing is the body's response to acidosis and is not indicative of low blood sugar levels.

Choice D Reason
Polyuria, or excessive urination, is not a sign of hypoglycemia. It is more commonly associated with hyperglycemia, as the body attempts to eliminate excess glucose through urine.

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Which medication should the nurse question for a client admitted with an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client diagnosed with emphysema states that it is uncomfortable to sit in a semi-Fowler's position. In order to best decrease the work of breathing, the nurse should assist the client to:

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A common sign of hypoglycemia in a client diagnosed with diabetes is:

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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