While assessing a client, the nurse observes that the client has a frequent productive cough. What follow-up assessment should the nurse evaluate first?

Vital sign abnormalities.

Presence of peripheral edema.

White blood cell (WBC) count.

Sputum characteristics.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A.   Vital sign abnormalities can provide critical information about the client's overall condition and help determine if there is an acute or chronic issue that needs to be addressed. While important, this assessment might not provide specific details about the cause of the productive cough.
B.   Peripheral edema is often related to cardiovascular or renal issues and might not be directly related to the cause of a productive cough. While edema can provide information about fluid balance and possible heart failure, it does not directly address the specific characteristics or causes of a cough.
C.   A white blood cell count can help determine if there is an underlying infection or inflammatory process. Elevated WBC levels might indicate an infection, which could be a cause of the productive cough. This test is useful for diagnosing conditions like pneumonia or bronchitis but is not as immediately relevant as assessing the sputum characteristics in understanding the nature of the cough.
D.   The characteristics of sputum (color, consistency, presence of blood, etc.) can provide valuable information about the cause of the productive cough. For instance, yellow or green sputum might suggest a bacterial infection, while clear sputum could be associated with viral infections or allergies.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. A history of seasonal allergies and nasal congestion can affect sleep quality due to discomfort or breathing difficulties. While this information is relevant for identifying possible physical factors that might influence sleep, it is not the first piece of data to obtain when trying to understand the overall sleep pattern.
B. The consumption of caffeinated drinks before bedtime can significantly impact sleep quality. Caffeine is a stimulant that can disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to difficulty falling asleep. This assessment is important, but it should follow an initial understanding of the client’s overall sleep schedule and habits to determine how much caffeine might be affecting their sleep.
C. Urinary frequency and nocturia (waking up frequently to urinate during the night) can interfere with sleep and contribute to disturbances. This information is valuable for identifying potential causes of disrupted sleep but is typically assessed after understanding the client’s basic sleep patterns and schedule.
D. Understanding the client’s usual bedtime and time of awakenings provides essential information about their sleep schedule and overall sleep patterns. This data is crucial as it establishes a baseline for assessing the client’s sleep routine and helps identify any deviations or irregularities in their sleep behavior.

A. Inspection. B. Percussion. C. Palpation. D. Auscultation.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. In the context of detecting papilledema, "inspection" refers to using an ophthalmoscope to examine the optic disc for swelling. Papilledema, which is swelling of the optic disc due to increased intracranial pressure, can only be observed through this direct examination of the eye’s interior. This technique is the most appropriate and accurate for confirming papilledema as it allows the nurse to visually inspect the optic disc for signs of swelling or other abnormalities.
B. Percussion involves tapping on the body to assess underlying structures and is commonly used in evaluating lung and abdominal sounds. It is not used for assessing the optic nerve or papilledema. Therefore, percussion is not relevant for confirming the presence of papilledema.
C. Palpation involves feeling the body’s surface to assess for abnormalities such as swelling or
tenderness. It is used for evaluating various parts of the body but does not apply to detecting papilledema. Papilledema involves changes to the optic nerve head, which cannot be assessed through palpation.
D. Auscultation involves listening to internal body sounds using a stethoscope, such as heartbeats, lung sounds, or abdominal sounds. This technique is not used to assess the optic disc or detect papilledema. It is not relevant for the diagnosis of conditions affecting the optic nerve.

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While assessing a client, the nurse observes that the client has a frequent productive cough. What follow-up assessment should the nurse evaluate first?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse assesses a client with a sleep pattern disturbance. In developing a plan of care, what assessment data should the nurse obtain first?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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