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.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Pain in the neck when the patient flexes their head towards the chest. This describes nuchal rigidity, not Kernig sign.
B. Involuntary flexion of the hips and knees when the neck is flexed. This describes Brudzinski sign, not Kernig sign.
C. Photophobia and headache triggered by bright light. These are symptoms of meningitis, but they are not specific to Kernig sign.
D. Pain and resistance when attempting to extend the patient's leg from a flexed position. A positive Kernig sign is when there is pain and resistance to leg extension from a flexed hip and knee position, indicating meningeal irritation.
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.