Which of the following assessment findings indicates an emergency and the need for immediate action on the part of the nurse?
Clubbing of the fingernails
Tracheal deviation
Contraction of the diaphragm
Auscultation of rhonchi throughout the lungs
The Correct Answer is B
A. Clubbing of the fingernails is typically a sign of chronic hypoxia and is seen in conditions like cystic fibrosis, COPD, and other respiratory or cardiovascular diseases. It is a long-term issue and does not indicate an immediate emergency.
B. Tracheal deviation is a medical emergency and typically indicates tension pneumothorax, where air accumulates in the pleural space, shifting the trachea away from the affected side. This can compress the heart and lungs, leading to respiratory and circulatory collapse, requiring immediate action.
C. Contraction of the diaphragm may refer to normal breathing mechanics and does not indicate an immediate emergency unless it is associated with respiratory distress or failure.
D. Rhonchi are abnormal lung sounds often associated with mucus in the airways and can be heard in conditions like bronchitis or COPD. Although they may require attention, they do not represent an immediate emergency compared to tracheal deviation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While avoiding infection is important for individuals with Addison's disease due to their weakened immune system, the priority is ensuring proper medication management.
B. Managing lifelong corticosteroid replacement is the most crucial instruction because individuals with Addison's disease have insufficient production of adrenal hormones, particularly cortisol. Without appropriate corticosteroid therapy, they can experience life-threatening adrenal crises.
C. Wearing a Medic-Alert bracelet is a helpful precaution, but it is not as immediately critical as ensuring proper medication management.
D. Practicing stress-management techniques is beneficial, as stress can exacerbate symptoms of Addison's disease, but corticosteroid replacement remains the highest priority.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "It is caused by the lack of production of insulin by the pancreas.": This is incorrect. The lack of insulin production causes diabetes mellitus, not Addison’s disease. Addison’s disease results from insufficient production of adrenal hormones, particularly aldosterone and cortisol.
B. "It is caused by the overproduction of parathormone by the parathyroid gland.": This is incorrect. Parathormone is produced by the parathyroid glands and regulates calcium balance, but overproduction of parathormone leads to conditions such as hyperparathyroidism, not Addison’s disease.
C. "It is caused by the lack of production of aldosterone by the adrenal gland.": This is correct. Addison’s disease, also known as primary adrenal insufficiency, is caused by the inability of the adrenal glands to produce sufficient aldosterone and cortisol, two critical hormones. Aldosterone helps regulate sodium and potassium balance, and cortisol helps the body respond to stress.
D. "It is caused by the overproduction of growth hormone by the pituitary gland.": This is incorrect. Overproduction of growth hormone causes acromegaly or gigantism, not Addison’s disease. Addison’s disease results from adrenal insufficiency, not pituitary gland dysfunction.
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