A patient with acute shortness of breath is admitted to the hospital. Which action should the nurse take
during the initial assessment of the patient?
a.
Ask the patient to lie down to complete a full physical assessment.
b.
Briefly ask specific questions about this episode of respiratory distress.
c.
Complete the admission database to check for allergies before treatment.
d.
Delay the physical assessment to first complete pulmonary function tests. ans: B
The nurse prepares a patient with a left-sided pleural effusion for a thoracentesis. How should the nurse
position the patient?
a.
Supine with the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees
b.
In a high-Fowler's position with the left arm extended
c.
On the right side with the left arm extended above the head
d. ans: D
A diabetic patient's arterial blood gas (ABG) results are pH 7.28; PaCO2 34 mm Hg; PaO2 85 mm Hg;
HCO3- 18 mEq/L. The nurse would expect which finding?
a.
Intercostal retractions
b.
, Kussmaul respirations
c.
Low oxygen saturation (SpO2)
d.
Decreased venous O2 pressure ans: b
On auscultation of a patient's lungs, the nurse hears low-pitched, bubbling sounds during inhalation in
the lower third of both lungs. How should the nurse document this finding?
a.
Inspiratory crackles at the bases
b.
Expiratory wheezes in both lungs
c.
Abnormal lung sounds in the apices of both lungs
d.
Pleural friction rub in the right and left lower lobes ans: a
The nurse palpates the posterior chest while the patient says "99" and notes absent fremitus. Which
action should the nurse take next?
a.
Palpate the anterior chest and observe for barrel chest.
b.
Encourage the patient to turn, cough, and deep breathe.
c.
Review the chest x-ray report for evidence of pneumonia.
d.
Auscultate anterior and posterior breath sounds bilaterally. ans: d