While obtaining a health history, a client tells the nurse that he sometimes experiences shortness of breath. The nurse determines that the client's respirations are regular and deep, and his respiratory rate is 14 breaths/minute. What is the best nursing action?

Ask the client to perform light exercise and observe the respiratory effort.

Document "dyspnea on exertion" in the client's medical record.

Ask the client to describe the episodes of dyspnea in more detail.

Explain to the client the possible causes of dyspnea or "shortness of breath."

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A.   Performing light exercise may help in assessing how the client’s respiratory system responds to physical exertion and could reveal if the shortness of breath is related to activity. However, this action might not be appropriate if the client is currently asymptomatic or if the nurse needs more detailed information about the episodes of dyspnea.
B.   Documenting "dyspnea on exertion" might be appropriate if the nurse has already confirmed that the shortness of breath occurs specifically with physical activity. However, based on the information provided, the nurse has not yet gathered sufficient details to confirm whether the dyspnea is related to exertion or another cause.
C.   This option is the best initial action because it allows the nurse to gather detailed information about the nature, frequency, duration, and triggers of the client's shortness of breath. Understanding the context and specifics of the episodes will help in determining whether the dyspnea is related to underlying health issues, activity, or other factors.
D.   While explaining the possible causes of dyspnea can be informative for the client, it may not address the immediate need for a detailed assessment of the client's symptoms. Providing education is valuable, but understanding the client's specific experience with dyspnea should take precedence to tailor the explanation and subsequent care effectively.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Being oriented x 3 means the client is aware of their name, the current time (or day), and the location (place). In this case, since the client is only able to remember his name and where he is, but not the time, day, or date, this documentation would be incorrect. The client does not meet the criteria for being oriented x 3.
B. Being oriented x 1 means the client is aware of only one aspect of orientation, such as their name. Since the client is able to remember both his name and his location, documenting as oriented x 1 would not fully capture the extent of the client's orientation. The client is oriented to more than one aspect.
C. Being oriented x 2 means the client is aware of two aspects of orientation. In this case, since the client is able to remember his name and his location (but not the time, day, or date), documenting as oriented x 2 accurately reflects his level of orientation.
D. Being oriented x 4 means the client is aware of four aspects: their name, the current time (or day), the date, and the location. Given that the client can only remember his name and location, this
documentation would be incorrect as it does not align with the client’s current state of orientation.

A. A cloudy discharge. B. An overactive bladder C. Black tarry stools. D. A weak urinary stream.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Cloudy discharge is more commonly associated with infections or discharge from the genital area rather than residual urinary symptoms. While urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause cloudy urine, this is not typically associated with suprapubic tenderness or the sensation of residual pressure alone.
B. An overactive bladder is characterized by symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and sometimes incontinence. However, it does not typically cause suprapubic tenderness or a sensation of residual pressure after urination. The described symptoms are more consistent with bladder outlet obstruction or incomplete bladder emptying rather than an overactive bladder.

C. Black tarry stools indicate upper gastrointestinal bleeding and are unrelated to urinary symptoms. This finding would suggest a different issue entirely, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, rather than a problem with the urinary tract or bladder. This is not consistent with the client's reported symptoms of suprapubic tenderness and sensation of residual pressure after urination.
D. A weak urinary stream is a common symptom associated with bladder outlet obstruction or conditions affecting urinary flow, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in older men. This finding aligns with the client's reported symptoms of suprapubic tenderness and feeling of residual pressure after urination.

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While obtaining a health history, a client tells the nurse that he sometimes experiences shortness of breath. The nurse determines that the client's respirations are regular and deep, and his respiratory rate is 14 breaths/minute. What is the best nursing action?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse reorients a male client to the correct time, day, date, and location, but he is only able to remember his name and where he is. Based on these findings, which should the nurse document?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is examining the abdomen of an older male client who expresses suprapubic tenderness on palpation. The client reports that it sometimes feels like there is still pressure in that area after urination. Which additional finding should the nurse expect with continued interview of the client?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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