During a health history the nurse learns that a patient ...

[gonzo233]

During a health history the nurse learns that a patient experiences several head colds each year. What teaching should the nurse consider providing to this patient?
 
  Select all that apply.
 
  1. Limit physical stress.
  2. Avoid getting chilled.
  3. Stay away from crowds.
  4. Stay indoors when it rains.
  5. Frequently wash the hands.

Question 2

The nurse observes a patient using this gesture (see diagram). What should the nurse do?
 
  1. assume the patient is having throat pain and administer pain medication
  2. prepare to perform the Heimlich maneuver
  3. assess the patient for cyanosis, difficulty breathing, and stridor and wait until normal breathing resumes
  4. sit with the patient until the laryngospasm passes and encourage deep breathing

[bpool94]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1, 3, 5
Patients can limit their incidence of acute viral URI by frequent hand washing and avoiding exposure to crowds. The patient should be instructed that becoming chilled and going out in the rain do not cause colds and that URIs are more likely to occur during periods of physical stress.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 2
The patient is using a gesture for choking. The goal is to maintain an open airway and clear the obstruction. If the obstruction is complete, the Heimlich maneuver is performed. If the obstruction is partial, the patient should be encouraged to cough. Assuming the patient is having throat pain, assessing the patient, and sitting with the patient and waiting are inappropriate responses because choking constitutes a life-threatening situation.