1.
A 66-year-old client has marked dyspnea at rest. He is thin and uses accessory muscles to breathe. He’s tachypneic. with a prolonged expiratory phase. He has no cough. He leans forward with his arms braced on his knees to support his chest and shoulders for breathing. This client has symptoms of which of the following respiratory disorders?
Correct Answer
D. EmpHysema
Explanation
These are classic signs and symptoms of a client with emphysema. Clients with ARDS are acutely short of breath and require emergency care; those with asthma are also acutely short of breath during an attack and appear very frightened. Clients with chronic obstructive bronchitis are bloated and cyanotic in appearance.
2.
A patient has acute bronchitis. While examining the patient, the nurse notices that she has an irregular pulse. The reason behind cardiac arrhythmias during respiratory distress is due to.
Correct Answer
D. A build-up of carbon dioxide in the body.
Explanation
During respiratory distress, the body may not be able to effectively remove carbon dioxide, leading to its build-up in the body. This build-up of carbon dioxide can disrupt the normal electrical signals in the heart, causing an irregular pulse or cardiac arrhythmias. This is because high levels of carbon dioxide can affect the balance of electrolytes in the blood, which are necessary for proper heart function. Therefore, the irregular pulse observed in the patient with acute bronchitis is likely due to a build-up of carbon dioxide in the body.
3.
Which of the following ABG abnormalities should a doctor anticipate with a patient of COPD?
Correct Answer
A. Increased PaCO2 levels
Explanation
In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the airways are narrowed, making it difficult for air to flow in and out of the lungs. This leads to inadequate oxygen exchange and retention of carbon dioxide. As a result, the PaCO2 levels in the blood increase. This is known as respiratory acidosis, which is characterized by a decrease in pH levels. Additionally, due to the impaired gas exchange, the PaO2 levels decrease, leading to decreased oxygen saturation. Therefore, a doctor should anticipate increased PaCO2 levels and decreased oxygen saturation in a patient with COPD.
4.
Which amongst the following are possible side effects of consuming metaproterenol?
Correct Answer
C. Irregular heartbeat
Explanation
Metaproterenol is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called beta-agonists, which are commonly used to treat asthma and other respiratory conditions. One possible side effect of consuming metaproterenol is an irregular heartbeat. This can occur because beta-agonists can stimulate the beta receptors in the heart, leading to changes in heart rhythm. Other possible side effects of metaproterenol may include increased heart rate, tremors, headache, and dizziness. However, excessive flatulence and decreased heart rate are not commonly associated with metaproterenol use.
5.
Which of the following health-boosting activity should a patient with asthma take active participation in?
Correct Answer
D. Incorporate enough pHysical exercise in daily routine
Explanation
Patients with asthma should incorporate enough physical exercise into their daily routine. Regular exercise can help improve lung function, increase cardiovascular fitness, and strengthen the respiratory muscles. It can also help to reduce stress and anxiety, which are common triggers for asthma symptoms. However, it is important for asthma patients to choose activities that are suitable for their condition and to consult with their healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program.
6.
Which of the following is a possible side effect of Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
Correct Answer
A. Restlessness
Explanation
Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) is a decongestant commonly used to relieve nasal congestion. One of the possible side effects of this medication is restlessness. This can manifest as a feeling of unease or inability to relax. Restlessness is a known side effect of pseudoephedrine due to its stimulant properties, which can increase heart rate and blood pressure. It is important to be aware of this potential side effect when taking pseudoephedrine and to consult a healthcare professional if it becomes bothersome or severe.
7.
It’s highly recommended that clients with asthma. chronic bronchitis. and emphysema have Pneumovax and flu vaccinations for which of the following reasons?
Correct Answer
D. Respiratory infections can cause severe hypoxia and possibly death in these clients.
Explanation
It’s highly recommended that clients with respiratory disorders be given vaccines to protect against respiratory infection. Infections can cause these clients to need intubation and mechanical ventilation. and it may be difficult to wean these clients from the ventilator. The vaccines have no effect on bronchodilation or respiratory care.
8.
Exercise has which of the following effects on clients with asthma. chronic bronchitis. and emphysema?
Correct Answer
A. It enhances cardiovascular fitness.
Explanation
Exercise can improve cardiovascular fitness and help the client tolerate periods of hypoxia better. perhaps reducing the risk of heart attack. Most exercise has little effect on respiratory muscle strength. and these clients can’t tolerate the type of exercise necessary to do this. Exercise won’t reduce the number of acute attacks. In some instances. exercise may be contraindicated. and the client should check with his physician before starting any exercise program.
9.
Clients with chronic obstructive bronchitis are given diuretic therapy. Which of the following reasons best explains why?
Correct Answer
A. Reducing fluid volume reduces oxygen demand.
Explanation
Reducing fluid volume reduces the workload of the heart. which reduces oxygen demand and. in turn. reduces the respiratory rate. It may also reduce edema and improve mobility a little. but exercise tolerance will still be harder to clear airways. Reducing fluid volume won’t improve respiratory function. but may improve oxygenation.
10.
A 69-year-old client appears thin and cachectic. He’s short of breath at rest and his dyspnea increases with the slightest exertion. His breath sounds are diminished even with deep inspiration. These signs and symptoms fit which of the following conditions?
Correct Answer
D. EmpHysema
Explanation
In emphysema. the wall integrity of the individual air sacs is damaged. reducing the surface area available for gas exchange. Very little air movement occurs in the lungs because of bronchial collapse. as well. In ARDS. the client’s condition is more acute and typically requires mechanical ventilation. In asthma and bronchitis. wheezing is prevalent.
11.
A client with emphysema should receive only 1 to 3 L/minute of oxygen. if needed. or he may lose his hypoxic drive. Which of the following statements is correct about hypoxic drive?
Correct Answer
C. The client breathes only when his oxygen levels dip below a certain point.
Explanation
Clients with emphysema breathe when their oxygen levels drop to a certain level; this is known as the hypoxic drive. They don’t take a breath when their levels of carbon dioxide are higher than normal. as do those with healthy respiratory physiology. If too much oxygen is given. the client has little stimulus to take another breath. In the meantime. his carbon dioxide levels continue to climb. and the client will pass out. leading to a respiratory arrest.
12.
Teaching for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should include which of the following topics?
Correct Answer
D. How to recognize the signs of an impending respiratory infection.
Explanation
Respiratory infection in clients with a respiratory disorder can be fatal. It’s important that the client understands how to recognize the signs and symptoms of an impending respiratory infection. It isn’t appropriate for the wife to listen to his lung sounds. besides. you can’t purchase stethoscopes from Wal-Mart. If the client has signs and symptoms of an infection. he should contact his physician at once.
13.
Which of the following respiratory disorders is most common in the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery?
Correct Answer
A. Atelectasis
Explanation
Atelectasis develops when there’s interference with the normal negative pressure that promotes lung expansion. Clients in the postoperative phase often splint their breathing because of pain and positioning. which causes hypoxia. It’s uncommon for any of the other respiratory disorders to develop.
14.
Which of the following measures can reduce or prevent the incidence of atelectasis in a post-operative client?
Correct Answer
D. Use of an incentive spirometer
Explanation
Using an incentive spirometer requires the client to take deep breaths and promotes lung expansion. Chest physiotherapy helps mobilize secretions but won’t prevent atelectasis. Reducing oxygen requirements or placing someone on mechanical ventilation doesn’t affect the development of atelectasis.
15.
Emergency treatment of a client in status asthmaticus includes which of the following medications?
Correct Answer
A. Inhaled beta-adrenergic agents
Explanation
Inhaled beta-adrenergic agents help promote bronchodilation. which improves oxygenation. I.V. beta-adrenergic agents can be used but have to be monitored because of their greater systemic effects. They’re typically used when the inhaled beta-adrenergic agents don’t work. Corticosteroids are slow-acting. so their use won’t reduce hypoxia in the acute phase.