Author Question: A patient states, I've been sick for days, and all the doctor does is take a chest x-ray, hand me ... (Read 63 times)

vinney12 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A patient states, I've been sick for days, and all the doctor does is take a chest x-ray, hand me prescriptions, and tell me I have bronchitis. The nurse realizes that this patient's treatment

1. is appropriate for the diagnosis.
2. should include more diagnostic tests.
3. is inadequate for the diagnosis of bronchitis.
4. should include hospitalization.

Question 2

The nurse caring for a patient diagnosed with lung cancer determines that the patient might be experiencing superior vena cava syndrome. What did the nurse assess to make this clinical decision?

1. face and neck swelling
2. hourly urine outputs 250 to 500 mL
3. calcium level of 14.0 mg/dL
4. flat jugular veins

shayla · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
The diagnosis of acute bronchitis typically is based on the history and clinical presentation. A chest x-ray may be ordered to rule out pneumonia, because the presenting manifestations can be similar. Other diagnostic testing and hospitalization are rarely indicated. Treatment is symptomatic and includes rest, increased fluid intake, and the use of aspirin or acetaminophen to relieve fever and malaise. Many physicians prescribe a broad-spectrum antibiotic such as erythromycin or penicillin, because approximately 50 of acute bronchitis is bacterial in origin.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1
Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome is an oncologic emergency and occurs when a lung tumor obstructs the SVC. This results in facial swelling, hands, arms, and neck swelling, distended jugular veins, cyanosis of the upper torso and dyspnea. Hourly urine outputs of 250 to 500 mL/hour are suggestive of the complication known as syndrome of inappropriate ADH (SIADH). A calcium level of 14.0 mg/dL is considered hypercalcemia, which is a metabolic emergency associated with lung cancers.