Author Question: A patient presents to the clinic with a temperature of 101.5F; malaise, myalgia, arthralgia, and a ... (Read 78 times)

gbarreiro · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A patient presents to the clinic with a temperature of 101.5F; malaise, myalgia, arthralgia, and a purulent, productive cough. The patient states The fever just started today but I have had this cough for many, many months.

What would the nurse suspect the patient has? A) Acute pneumonia
B) Bronchitis
C) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
D) Bronchiectasis

Question 2

A patient is newly diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and levodopa (Dopar) has been prescribed. What patient teaching information should be considered a high priority for this patient?

A) Avoid vitamin B6 intake.
B) Avoid hot environments.
C) Many adverse effects will subside when the body adjusts to the drug.
D) Allow rest periods.

kilada · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

D
Feedback:
Bronchiectasis is a chronic disease that involves the bronchi and bronchioles. It is characterized by dilation of the bronchial tree and chronic infection and inflammation of the bronchial passages. With chronic inflammation, the bronchial epithelial cells are replaced by a fibrous scar tissue. The loss of the protective mucus and ciliary movement of the epithelial cell membranes, combined with the dilation of the bronchial tree, leads to chronic infections in the now unprotected lower areas of lung tissue. Patients with bronchiectasis often have an underlying medical condition that makes them more susceptible to infections (e.g., immune suppression, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, chronic inflammatory conditions). Patients present with the signs and symptoms of acute infection, including fever, malaise, myalgia, arthralgia, and a purulent, productive cough. Patients who have pneumonia and bronchitis may present with the above symptoms, but it is not a chronic disorder. COPD is a chronic disorder but the patient with this disorder has more symptoms related to shortness of breath.

Answer to Question 2

A
Feedback:
The priority information would be to avoid vitamin B6 intake, which would include grains and bran. Vitamin B6 speeds the conversion of levodopa to dopamine before it can cross the bloodbrain barrier. This leads to Parkinson's symptoms. The other options are all important and should be discussed with the patient. However, sweating, headaches, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, weakness, and dizziness are expected adverse effects, which will eventually subside or decrease.