Which of the following interventions is most important for a nurse to implement in the care plan of a patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) to promote effective breathing?
instruct the patient to avoid all physical activity to prevent shortness of breath.
Recommend a high-carbohydrate diet to increase energy levels
Encourage the patient to perform pursed-lip breathing exercises.
Advise the patient to drink less water to prevent fluid overload.
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Avoiding all physical activity is not recommended. Moderate activity, with rest periods, can improve endurance and lung function in COPD patients. Complete inactivity worsens deconditioning.
B. A high-carbohydrate diet is not appropriate because it increases CO₂ production during metabolism, which can worsen respiratory acidosis. A diet higher in fat and protein is generally preferred.
C. Pursed-lip breathing exercises are essential for COPD patients. They help prevent airway collapse, improve ventilation, promote CO₂ elimination, and reduce dyspnea.
D. Restricting fluids is not typically indicated for COPD patients unless another condition (e.g., heart failure) requires it. Adequate hydration is necessary to thin secretions and aid airway clearance.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Avoiding all physical activity is not recommended. Moderate activity, with rest periods, can improve endurance and lung function in COPD patients. Complete inactivity worsens deconditioning.
B. A high-carbohydrate diet is not appropriate because it increases CO₂ production during metabolism, which can worsen respiratory acidosis. A diet higher in fat and protein is generally preferred.
C. Pursed-lip breathing exercises are essential for COPD patients. They help prevent airway collapse, improve ventilation, promote CO₂ elimination, and reduce dyspnea.
D. Restricting fluids is not typically indicated for COPD patients unless another condition (e.g., heart failure) requires it. Adequate hydration is necessary to thin secretions and aid airway clearance.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Sodium bicarbonate is not the first-line treatment for respiratory acidosis. It is rarely used because the underlying issue is inadequate ventilation, not metabolic imbalance.
B. Increasing ventilatory support is the priority intervention. Respiratory acidosis results from hypoventilation and CO₂ retention, so improving ventilation (e.g., mechanical ventilation, noninvasive positive pressure ventilation, or adjusting ventilator settings) directly corrects the problem.
C. Supplemental oxygen may be necessary if hypoxemia is present, but oxygen alone will not correct CO₂ retention and could worsen hypercapnia in COPD patients if overused.
D. Deep breathing exercises can help in mild cases but are insufficient for acute or severe respiratory acidosis, where immediate ventilatory support is needed.
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