A nurse is assessing a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which of the following findings would indicate the need for immediate intervention?
The client has a respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute.
The client has a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F).
The client has a blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg.
The client has a heart rate of 90 beats per minute.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
A respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute indicates tachypnea, which is a sign of respiratory distress. Immediate intervention is needed to address the underlying cause and prevent further deterioration of the patient’s condition.
Choice B rationale
A temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) indicates a fever, which may suggest an infection. While this requires medical attention, it is not as immediately critical as respiratory distress.
Choice C rationale
A blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg is considered high, but it does not indicate an immediate need for intervention in the context of COPD. Hypertension should be managed, but it is not an acute emergency.
Choice D rationale
A heart rate of 90 beats per minute is within the normal range and does not indicate an immediate need for intervention. Monitoring the patient’s heart rate is important, but it is not an urgent concern in this scenario.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Decreasing coronary artery constriction by giving aspirin is a primary objective in managing unstable angina. Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation, reducing the risk of clot formation and improving blood flow in the coronary arteries. This helps to alleviate chest pain and prevent myocardial infarction.
Choice B rationale
Increasing afterload for the left ventricle to maximize cardiac output is not a desirable objective in managing unstable angina. Increasing afterload would increase the workload on the heart, which is counterproductive in patients with angina. The goal is to reduce the heart’s workload and improve blood flow.
Choice C rationale
Increasing preload to reduce overall cardiac workload is not a primary objective in managing unstable angina. Increasing preload would increase the volume of blood returning to the heart, potentially worsening symptoms. The focus is on reducing myocardial oxygen demand and improving coronary perfusion.
Choice D rationale
Reducing arterial inflammation by administering statins is a long-term strategy for managing cardiovascular disease, but it is not the immediate objective in managing unstable angina. Statins help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation, but the immediate goal in unstable angina is to relieve chest pain and prevent myocardial infarction.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Administering vitamin B12 to increase RBC size is not appropriate in this scenario. The elevated MCV indicates macrocytic anemia, which is often due to vitamin B12 deficiency. The goal is to restore normal RBC maturation, not to increase RBC size.
Choice B rationale
Administering vitamin B12 to restore normal RBC maturation is the appropriate action. The elevated MCV indicates macrocytic anemia, which is often due to vitamin B12 deficiency. Administering vitamin B12 will help restore normal RBC maturation and correct the anemia.
Choice C rationale
Administering medication to decrease RBC size is not appropriate in this scenario. The elevated MCV indicates macrocytic anemia, which is often due to vitamin B12 deficiency. The goal is to restore normal RBC maturation, not to decrease RBC size.
Choice D rationale
Administering iron to increase the formation of hemoglobin molecules is not appropriate in this scenario. The elevated MCV indicates macrocytic anemia, which is often due to vitamin B12 deficiency. Iron supplementation is typically used for microcytic anemia, not macrocytic anemia.