A patient with a history of COPD Is being monitored for potential complications. Which of the following findings should the nurse report immediately as it may indicate the development of a complication?
Mild wheezing
Fatigue and general malaise
Increased sputum production
Sudden onset chest pain and dyspnea
The Correct Answer is D
A. Mild wheezing: Mild wheezing can be a common symptom in COPD and does not immediately indicate a severe complication unless it worsens suddenly.
B. Fatigue and general malaise: Fatigue and malaise are often chronic in COPD and do not necessarily indicate an acute complication.
C. Increased sputum production: While increased sputum could suggest an infection, it is not the most urgent sign of a severe complication.
D. Sudden onset chest pain and dyspnea: Sudden chest pain and dyspnea are concerning for a pneumothorax or pulmonary embolism, both of which are potential complications in COPD and require immediate attention.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Ensure that the client's urine output is at least 1 ml/kg/hr. Adequate urine output is essential before administering IV potassium to ensure the kidneys are functioning properly and can handle the increased potassium load, preventing hyperkalemia.
B. Ensure potassium infusion is prepared with 5% dextrose solution. While IV potassium can be mixed with normal saline or dextrose solutions, the specific diluent will depend on the clinical scenario. This isn't necessarily a standard requirement, so it may not be appropriate for all situations.
C. Educate the client regarding high-potassium foods. Education on high-potassium foods helps the client maintain potassium levels after treatment, reducing the need for future supplementation.
D. Repeat blood serum potassium levels. Rechecking potassium levels ensures the patient reaches a safe and therapeutic range and helps monitor for signs of overcorrection or continued hypokalemia.
E. Cardiac monitoring during infusion. Cardiac monitoring is critical, as hypokalemia and potassium replacement can affect heart rhythm and lead to arrhythmias.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Consume small frequent meals throughout the day. Small, frequent meals reduce the volume of food entering the small intestine at one time, helping to prevent symptoms of dumping syndrome.
B. Lie down immediately after eating to aid digestion. Although lying down after eating can slow gastric emptying and help prevent dumping syndrome, it does not aid in digestion.
C. Include high-carbohydrate foods in every meal. High-carbohydrate foods are likely to worsen symptoms of dumping syndrome by causing rapid glucose absorption, which leads to a spike in insulin and subsequent hypoglycemia.
D. Drink fluids with meals to aid in digestion. Fluids should be taken between meals rather than with meals to avoid rapid gastric emptying and prevent dumping syndrome.