A pulmonary nurse cares for clients who have chronic obstructive ...

[Beheh]

A pulmonary nurse cares for clients who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which client should the nurse assess first?
 
  a. A 46-year-old with a 30-pack-year history of smoking
  b. A 52-year-old in a tripod position using accessory muscles to breathe
  c. A 68-year-old who has dependent edema and clubbed fingers
  d. A 74-year-old with a chronic cough and thick, tenacious secretions

Question 2

The nurse is teaching a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who has been prescribed continuous oxygen therapy at home. Which statement indicates the client correctly understands the teaching?
 
  a. I plan to wear my oxygen when I exercise and feel short of breath.
  b. I will use my portable oxygen when grilling burgers in the backyard.
  c. I plan to use cotton balls to cushion the oxygen tubing on my ears.
  d. I will only smoke while I am wearing my oxygen via nasal cannula.

[matt]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
The client who is in a tripod position and using accessory muscles is working to breathe. This client must be assessed first to establish how well the client is breathing and provide interventions to minimize respiratory failure. The other clients are not in acute distress.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Cotton balls can decrease pressure ulcers from the oxygen tubing. Continuous oxygen orders mean the client should wear the oxygen at all times. Oxygen fuels a fire. Wearing oxygen while grilling and smoking increases the risk for fire.

[Beheh]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[Bigfoot1984]

Excellent