Care of Patients with Chronic Illnesses > Fundamentals
Exam Review
Assessment and Diagnosis of Chronic Illnesses
Total Questions : 4
Showing 4 questions, Sign in for moreA nurse is assessing a client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
Explanation
Purulent sputum production indicates a possible infection, which can exacerbate COPD and lead to respiratory failure. The nurse should report this finding to the provider and obtain a sputum culture for further evaluation.
Incorrect options:
A) Barrel-shaped chest - This is a common finding in clients with COPD, due to chronic hyperinflation of the lungs. It does not require immediate intervention.
B) Clubbing of the fingers - This is a sign of chronic hypoxia, which is often seen in clients with COPD. It does not indicate an acute complication.
C) Increased respiratory rate - This is a compensatory mechanism for clients with COPD, who have impaired gas exchange and reduced lung capacity. It does not necessarily indicate a worsening of the condition.
A client with diabetes mellitus is scheduled for a hemoglobin A1c test. The client asks the nurse what this test measures. How should the nurse respond?
Explanation
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a test that reflects the percentage of hemoglobin that is glycosylated, or attached to glucose molecules, in the red blood cells. It provides an estimate of the average blood glucose level over the past 3 months, as red blood cells have a lifespan of about 120 days. The higher the HbA1c level, the poorer the glycemic control.
Incorrect options:
B) "It measures your blood glucose level at the time of the test." - This is not correct, as HbA1c does not reflect the current blood glucose level, but rather the average over a period of time. A fasting blood glucose test or a random blood glucose test would measure the blood glucose level at the time of the test.
C) "It measures your ability to produce insulin in response to glucose." - This is not correct, as HbA1c does not measure insulin production or secretion. A C-peptide test or an oral glucose tolerance test would measure insulin function.
D) "It measures your risk of developing diabetic complications." - This is not correct, as HbA1c does not directly measure the risk of diabetic complications, but rather indicates the degree of glycemic control, which affects the risk of complications. Other factors, such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and kidney function, also influence the risk of diabetic complications.
A nurse is caring for a client who has rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The client reports increased joint pain and stiffness in the morning. Which of the following interventions should the nurse suggest to the client?
Explanation
Performing gentle range-of-motion exercises after waking up can help reduce joint stiffness and improve mobility for clients with RA. The exercises should be done slowly and carefully, without forcing or overextending the joints.
Incorrect options:
A) Apply cold packs to the affected joints before getting out of bed. - This is not correct, as cold packs are more effective for acute inflammation and swelling, which are not typical features of RA. Cold packs can also increase joint stiffness and discomfort.
C) Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) before bedtime. - This is not correct, as NSAIDs are more effective when taken regularly throughout the day, rather than only at night. NSAIDs can also cause gastrointestinal irritation and bleeding, especially when taken on an empty stomach or before lying down.
D) Avoid weight-bearing activities until noon. - This is not correct, as avoiding weight-bearing activities can lead to muscle weakness and joint deformity in clients with RA. Weight-bearing activities should be done in moderation and with proper support and alignment.
A client with hypertension is prescribed a thiazide diuretic. The nurse instructs the client to monitor their potassium level and report any signs of hypokalemia. Which of the following signs should the nurse include in the teaching?
Explanation
Muscle cramps are a sign of hypokalemia, or low potassium level, which can occur as a side effect of thiazide diuretics. Potassium is an electrolyte that is essential for muscle contraction and nerve conduction. Hypokalemia can cause muscle weakness, spasms, and cramps, as well as cardiac arrhythmias and dysrhythmias.
Incorrect options:
B) Constipation - This is not a sign of hypokalemia, but rather a sign of hypercalcemia, or high calcium level, which can also occur as a side effect of thiazide diuretics. Calcium is an electrolyte that is involved in muscle contraction and blood clotting. Hypercalcemia can cause constipation, abdominal pain, kidney stones, and bone pain.
C) Dry mouth - This is not a sign of hypokalemia, but rather a sign of dehydration, which can occur as a result of fluid loss from diuretic therapy. Dehydration can cause dry mouth, thirst, decreased urine output, and increased heart rate and blood pressure.
D) Nausea - This is not a sign of hypokalemia, but rather a sign of hyponatremia, or low sodium level, which can also occur as a side effect of thiazide diuretics. Sodium is an electrolyte that is important for fluid balance and nerve function. Hyponatremia can cause nausea, vomiting, headache, confusion, and seizures.
Sign Up or Login to view all the 4 Questions on this Exam
Join over 100,000+ nursing students using Nursingprepexams’s science-backend flashcards, practice tests and expert solutions to improve their grades and reach their goals.
Sign Up Now
