The nurse assesses a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who has been admitted with increasing dyspnea over the last 3 days. Which finding is most important for the nurse to report to the health care provider?
a. Respirations are 36 breaths/minute.
b. Anterior-posterior chest ratio is 1:1.
c. Lung expansion is decreased bilaterally.
d. Hyperresonance to percussion is present.
Question 2The laboratory has just called with the arterial blood gas (ABG) results on four patients. Which result is most important for the nurse to report immediately to the health care provider?
a. pH 7.34, PaO2 82 mm Hg, PaCO2 40 mm Hg, and O2 sat 97
b. pH 7.35, PaO2 85 mm Hg, PaCO2 45 mm Hg, and O2 sat 95
c. pH 7.46, PaO2 90 mm Hg, PaCO2 32 mm Hg, and O2 sat 98
d. pH 7.31, PaO2 91 mm Hg, PaCO2 50 mm Hg, and O2 sat 96
Question 3The nurse analyzes the results of a patient's arterial blood gases (ABGs). Which finding would require immediate action?
a. The bicarbonate level (HCO3) is 31 mEq/L.
b. The arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) is 92.
c. The partial pressure of CO2 in arterial blood (PaCO2) is 31 mm Hg.
d. The partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood (PaO2) is 59 mm Hg.
Question 4After the nurse has received change-of-shift report, which patient should the nurse assess first?
a. A patient with pneumonia who has crackles in the right lung base
b. A patient with possible lung cancer who has just returned after bronchoscopy
c. A patient with hemoptysis and a 16-mm induration with tuberculin skin testing
d. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary function testing (PFT) that indicates low forced vital capacity
Question 5A patient in metabolic alkalosis is admitted to the emergency department, and pulse oximetry (SpO2) indicates that the O2 saturation is 94. Which action should the nurse take next?
a. Administer bicarbonate.
b. Complete a head-to-toe assessment.
c. Place the patient on high-flow oxygen.
d. Obtain repeat arterial blood gases (ABGs).
Question 6When assessing the respiratory system of an older patient, which finding indicates that the nurse should take immediate action?
a. Weak cough effort
b. Barrel-shaped chest
c. Dry mucous membranes
d. Bilateral crackles at lung bases
Question 7A patient with acute dyspnea is scheduled for a spiral computed tomography (CT) scan. Which information obtained by the nurse is a priority to communicate to the health care provider before the CT?
a. Allergy to shellfish
b. Apical pulse of 104
c. Respiratory rate of 30
d. Oxygen saturation of 90
Question 8A patient is admitted to the emergency department complaining of sudden onset shortness of breath and is diagnosed with a possible pulmonary embolus. How should the nurse prepare the patient for diagnostic testing to confirm the diagnosis?
a. Start an IV so contrast media may be given.
b. Ensure that the patient has been NPO for at least 6 hours.
c. Inform radiology that radioactive glucose preparation is needed.
d. Instruct the patient to undress to the waist and remove any metal objects.
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