Nursing Elites

1. A client tests positive for alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency and asks the nurse, What does this mean? How should the nurse respond?

• A. Your children may be at high risk for developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• B. I will arrange for a genetic counselor to discuss your condition.
• C. Your risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is higher, particularly if you smoke.
• D. This is a recessive gene that should not affect your health.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency is associated with a higher risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), especially if the individual smokes. This condition is caused by a recessive gene. Individuals with one allele typically produce enough AAT to prevent COPD unless they smoke. However, those with two alleles are at high risk for COPD even without exposure to smoke or other irritants. Being a carrier of AAT deficiency does not guarantee that one's children will develop the disease; it depends on the AAT levels of the partner. While involving a genetic counselor may be beneficial in the long run, the immediate concern of the client's question should be addressed first.

2. A client is postoperative, and a nurse is developing a plan of care. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan to prevent pulmonary complications?

• A. Perform range-of-motion exercises
• B. Place suction equipment at the bedside
• C. Encourage the use of an incentive spirometer
• D. Administer an expectorant

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Encouraging the use of an incentive spirometer is vital in preventing pulmonary complications postoperatively. The incentive spirometer helps the client perform deep breathing exercises, promoting lung expansion, and preventing atelectasis. Range-of-motion exercises help prevent musculoskeletal complications, while placing suction equipment at the bedside is important but not directly related to preventing pulmonary complications. Administering an expectorant may help with clearing secretions but is not as effective in preventing postoperative pulmonary complications as using an incentive spirometer.

3. A client in a clinic presents with an acute asthma exacerbation. Which of the following medications should reduce the symptoms?

• A. Cromolyn via a metered-dose inhaler
• B. Montelukast orally
• C. Budesonide via a dry-powder inhaler
• D. Albuterol via a jet nebulizer

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During an acute asthma exacerbation, the preferred medication for symptom relief is a short-acting beta-agonist like albuterol, typically delivered via a jet nebulizer for quick onset and efficacy. Cromolyn, montelukast, and budesonide are not as effective for immediate symptom relief in acute exacerbations and are more commonly used for prevention or long-term management of asthma symptoms.

4. A client has a mediastinal chest tube. Which symptom requires the nurse's immediate intervention?

• A. Production of pink sputum
• B. Tracheal deviation
• C. Drainage greater than 70 mL/hr
• D. Sudden onset of shortness of breath

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Immediate intervention is required if the client exhibits tracheal deviation as it could indicate a tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening condition that requires prompt attention to prevent respiratory compromise. Production of pink sputum may indicate bleeding but would not be as immediately life-threatening as tracheal deviation. Drainage greater than 70 mL/hr could indicate hemorrhage, which also requires attention but is not as urgent as tracheal deviation. Sudden onset of shortness of breath could indicate various issues, including dislodgment of the tube or pneumothorax, which require intervention but are not as critical as tracheal deviation in this context.

5. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is receiving dietary teaching from a nurse. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Eat 3 balanced meals each day.
• B. Limit fluid intake with meals.
• C. Reduce sodium intake.
• D. Take a bronchodilator 1 hour before eating.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In clients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, limiting fluid intake with meals can help reduce the risk of bloating and feeling too full, which can make breathing more difficult due to increased pressure on the diaphragm. It is important to encourage a balanced diet with appropriate fluid intake between meals to maintain hydration and proper nutrition. Options A, C, and D are not specifically related to dietary recommendations for clients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

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