COPD Flashcards
The nurse is caring for a patient with an acute exacerbation of asthma. Following initial treatment, what finding indicates to the nurse that the patient’s respiratory status is improving?
Wheezing becomes louder.
Cough remains nonproductive.
Vesicular breath sounds decrease.
Aerosol bronchodilators stimulate coughing.
Wheezing becomes louder.
The primary problem during an exacerbation of asthma is narrowing of the airway and subsequent diminished air exchange. As the airways begin to dilate, wheezing gets louder because of better air exchange. Vesicular breath sounds will increase with improved respiratory status. After a severe asthma exacerbation, the cough may be productive and stringy. Coughing after aerosol bronchodilators may indicate a problem with the inhaler or its use.
During an assessment of a 45-year-old patient with asthma, the nurse notes wheezing and dyspnea. The nurse interprets that these symptoms are related to what pathophysiologic change? Laryngospasm Pulmonary edema Narrowing of the airway Overdistention of the alveoli
Narrowing of the airway
Narrowing of the airway by persistent but variable inflammation leads to reduced airflow, making it difficult for the patient to breathe and producing the characteristic wheezing.
Laryngospasm, pulmonary edema, and overdistention of the alveoli do not produce wheezing
A 45-year-old man with asthma is brought to the emergency department by automobile. He is short of breath and appears frightened. During the initial nursing assessment, which clinical manifestation might be present as an early manifestation during an exacerbation of asthma? Anxiety Cyanosis Bradycardia Hypercapnia
Anxiety
An early manifestation during an asthma attack is anxiety because the patient is acutely aware of the inability to get sufficient air to breathe. He will be hypoxic early on with decreased PaCO2 and increased pH as he is hyperventilating. If cyanosis occurs, it is a later sign. The pulse and blood pressure will be increased.
The nurse is assigned to care for a patient who has anxiety and an exacerbation of asthma. What is the primary reason for the nurse to carefully inspect the chest wall of this patient?
Allow time to calm the patient.
Observe for signs of diaphoresis.
Evaluate the use of intercostal muscles.
Monitor the patient for bilateral chest expansion.
Evaluate the use of intercostal muscles.
The nurse physically inspects the chest wall to evaluate the use of intercostal (accessory) muscles, which gives an indication of the degree of respiratory distress experienced by the patient. The other options may also occur, but they are not the primary reason for inspecting the chest wall of this patient.
Which position is most appropriate for the nurse to place a patient experiencing an asthma exacerbation? Supine Lithotomy High Fowler's Reverse Trendelenburg
High Fowler’s
The patient experiencing an asthma attack should be placed in high Fowler’s position and may need to lean forward to allow for optimal chest expansion and enlist the aid of gravity during inspiration. The supine, lithotomy, and reverse Trendelenburg positions will not facilitation ventilation.
The nurse identifies the nursing diagnosis of activity intolerance for a patient with asthma. In patients with asthma, the nurse assesses for which etiologic factor for this nursing diagnosis? Work of breathing Fear of suffocation Effects of medications Anxiety and restlessness
Work of breathing
When the patient does not have sufficient gas exchange to engage in activity, the etiologic factor is often the work of breathing. When patients with asthma do not have effective respirations, they use all available energy to breathe and have little left over for purposeful activity. Fear of suffocation, effects of medications or anxiety, and restlessness are not etiologies for activity intolerance for a patient with asthma.
The nurse is assigned to care for a patient in the emergency department admitted with an exacerbation of asthma. The patient has received a β-adrenergic bronchodilator and supplemental oxygen. If the patient's condition does not improve, the nurse should anticipate what as the most likely next step in treatment? IV fluids Biofeedback therapy Systemic corticosteroids Pulmonary function testing
Systemic corticosteroids
Systemic corticosteroids speed the resolution of asthma exacerbations and are indicated if the initial response to the β-adrenergic bronchodilator is insufficient. IV fluids may be used, but not to improve ventilation. Biofeedback therapy and pulmonary function testing may be used after recovery to assist the patient and monitor the asthma.
A patient with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) needs to receive precise amounts of oxygen. Which equipment should the nurse prepare to use? Oxygen tent Venturi mask Nasal cannula Oxygen-conserving cannula
Venturi mask
The Venturi mask delivers precise concentrations of oxygen and should be selected whenever this is a priority concern. The other methods are less precise in terms of amount of oxygen delivered.
While teaching a patient with asthma about the appropriate use of a peak flow meter, what should the nurse instruct the patient to do?
Keep a record of the peak flow meter numbers if symptoms of asthma are getting worse.
Use the flow meter each morning after taking medications to evaluate their effectiveness.
Increase the doses of the long-term control medication if the peak flow numbers decrease.
Empty the lungs and then inhale quickly through the mouthpiece to measure how fast air can be inhaled.
Keep a record of the peak flow meter numbers if symptoms of asthma are getting worse.
It is important to keep track of peak flow readings daily, especially when the patient’s symptoms are getting worse. The patient should have specific directions as to when to call the physician based on personal peak flow numbers. Peak flow is measured by exhaling into the flow meter and should be assessed before and after medications to evaluate their effectiveness.
The physician has prescribed salmeterol (Serevent) for a patient with asthma. In reviewing the use of dry powder inhalers (DPIs) with the patient, what instructions should the nurse provide?
“Close lips tightly around the mouthpiece and breathe in deeply and quickly.”
“To administer a DPI, you must use a spacer that holds the medicine so that you can inhale it.”
“You will know you have correctly used the DPI when you taste or sense the medicine going into your lungs.”
“Hold the inhaler several inches in front of your mouth and breathe in slowly, holding the medicine as long as possible.”
“Close lips tightly around the mouthpiece and breathe in deeply and quickly.”
The patient should be instructed to tightly close the lips around the mouthpiece and breathe in deeply and quickly to ensure the medicine moves down deeply into the lungs. Dry powder inhalers do not require spacer devices. The patient may not taste or sense the medicine going into the lungs.
The nurse determines that a patient is experiencing common adverse effects from the inhaled corticosteroid beclomethasone (Beclovent) after what occurs?
Hypertension and pulmonary edema
Oropharyngeal candidiasis and hoarseness
Elevation of blood glucose and calcium levels
Adrenocortical dysfunction and hyperglycemia
Oropharyngeal candidiasis and hoarseness
Oropharyngeal candidiasis and hoarseness are common adverse effects from the use of inhaled corticosteroids because the medication can lead to overgrowth of organisms and local irritation if the patient does not rinse the mouth following each dose.
The nurse determines that the patient understood medication instructions about the use of a spacer device when taking inhaled medications after hearing the patient state what as the primary benefit?
“I will pay less for medication because it will last longer.”
“More of the medication will get down into my lungs to help my breathing.”
“Now I will not need to breathe in as deeply when taking the inhaler medications.”
“This device will make it so much easier and faster to take my inhaled medications.”
More of the medication will get down into my lungs to help my breathing.”
A spacer assists more medication to reach the lungs, with less being deposited in the mouth and the back of the throat. It does not affect the cost or increase the speed of using the inhaler.
Which test result identifies that a patient with asthma is responding to treatment? An increase in CO2 levels A decreased exhaled nitric oxide A decrease in white blood cell count An increase in serum bicarbonate levels
A decreased exhaled nitric oxide
Nitric oxide levels are increased in the breath of people with asthma. A decrease in the exhaled nitric oxide concentration suggests that the treatment may be decreasing the lung inflammation associated with asthma and adherence to treatment. An increase in CO2 levels, decreased white blood cell count, and increased serum bicarbonate levels do not indicate a positive response to treatment in the asthma patient.
The nurse determines that the patient is not experiencing adverse effects of albuterol (Proventil) after noting which patient vital sign? Pulse rate of 72/minute Temperature of 98.4° F Oxygen saturation 96% Respiratory rate of 18/minute
Pulse rate of 72/minute
Albuterol is a β2-agonist that can sometimes cause adverse cardiovascular effects. These would include tachycardia and angina. A pulse rate of 72 indicates that the patient did not experience tachycardia as an adverse effect.
The patient has an order for each of the following inhalers. Which one should the nurse offer to the patient at the onset of an asthma attack? Albuterol (Proventil) Salmeterol (Serevent) Beclomethasone (Qvar) Ipratropium bromide (Atrovent)
Albuterol (Proventil)
Albuterol is a short-acting bronchodilator that should be given initially when the patient experiences an asthma attack. Salmeterol (Serevent) is a long-acting β2-adrenergic agonist, which is not used for acute asthma attacks. Beclomethasone (Qvar) is a corticosteroid inhaler and not recommended for an acute asthma attack. Ipratropium bromide (Atrovent) is an anticholinergic agent that is less effective than β2-adrenergic agonists. It may be used in an emergency with a patient unable to tolerate short-acting β2-adrenergic agonists (SABAs).
The nurse, who has administered a first dose of oral prednisone to a patient with asthma, writes on the care plan to begin monitoring for which patient parameters? Apical pulse Daily weight Bowel sounds Deep tendon reflexes
Daily weight
Corticosteroids such as prednisone can lead to weight gain. For this reason, it is important to monitor the patient’s daily weight. The drug should not affect the apical pulse, bowel sounds, or deep tendon reflexes.
When admitting a patient with a diagnosis of asthma exacerbation, the nurse will assess for what potential triggers (select all that apply)? Exercise Allergies Emotional stress Decreased humidity Upper respiratory infections
Although the exact mechanism of asthma is unknown, there are several triggers that may precipitate an attack. These include allergens, exercise, air pollutants, upper respiratory infections, drug and food additives, psychologic factors, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
The nurse is assisting a patient to learn self-administration of beclomethasone, two puffs inhaled every 6 hours. What should the nurse explain as the best way to prevent oral infection while taking this medication?
Chew a hard candy before the first puff of medication.
Rinse the mouth with water before each puff of medication.
Ask for a breath mint following the second puff of medication.
Rinse the mouth with water following the second puff of medication.
Rinse the mouth with water following the second puff of medication.
Because beclamethosone is a corticosteroid, the patient should rinse the mouth with water following the second puff of medication to reduce the risk of fungal overgrowth and oral infection.
The nurse is evaluating if a patient understands how to safely determine whether a metered dose inhaler (MDI) is empty. The nurse interprets that the patient understands this important information to prevent medication underdosing when the patient describes which method to check the inhaler?
Place it in water to see if it floats.
Keep track of the number of inhalations used.
Shake the canister while holding it next to the ear
Check the indicator line on the side of the canister.
Keep track of the number of inhalations used.
It is no longer appropriate to see if a canister floats in water or not since this is not an accurate way to determine the remaining inhaler doses. The best method to determine when to replace an inhaler is by knowing the maximum puffs available per MDI and then replacing it after the number of days when those inhalations have been used. (100 puffs/2 puffs each day = 50 days)
When planning teaching for the patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the nurse understands that what causes the manifestations of the disease?
An overproduction of the antiprotease α1-antitrypsin
Hyperinflation of alveoli and destruction of alveolar walls
Hypertrophy and hyperplasia of goblet cells in the bronchi
Collapse and hypoventilation of the terminal respiratory unit
Hyperinflation of alveoli and destruction of alveolar walls
In COPD there are structural changes that include hyperinflation of alveoli, destruction of alveolar walls, destruction of alveolar capillary walls, narrowing of small airways, and loss of lung elasticity. An autosomal recessive deficiency of antitrypsin may cause COPD. Not all patients with COPD have excess mucus production by the increased number of goblet cells.
A male patient with COPD becomes dyspneic at rest. His baseline blood gas results are PaO2 70 mm Hg, PaCO2 52 mm Hg, and pH 7.34. What updated patient assessment requires the nurse's priority intervention? Arterial pH 7.26 PaCO2 50 mm Hg Patient in tripod position Increased sputum expectoration
Arterial pH 7.26
The patient’s pH shows acidosis that supports an exacerbation of COPD along with the worsening dyspnea. The PaCO2 has improved from baseline, the tripod position helps the patient’s breathing, and the increase in sputum expectoration will improve the patient’s ventilation.
The nurse evaluates that nursing interventions to promote airway clearance in a patient admitted with COPD are successful based on which finding? Absence of dyspnea Improved mental status Effective and productive coughing PaO2 within normal range for the patient
Effective and productive coughing
Airway clearance is most directly evaluated as successful if the patient can engage in effective and productive coughing. Absence of dyspnea, improved mental status, and PaO2 within normal range for the patient show improved respiratory status but do not evaluate airway clearance.
When caring for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the nurse identifies a nursing diagnosis of imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements after noting a weight loss of 30 lb. Which intervention should the nurse add to the plan of care for this patient?
Order fruits and fruit juices to be offered between meals.
Order a high-calorie, high-protein diet with six small meals a day.
Teach the patient to use frozen meals at home that can be microwaved.
Provide a high-calorie, high-carbohydrate, nonirritating, frequent feeding diet.
Order a high-calorie, high-protein diet with six small meals a day.
Because the patient with COPD needs to use greater energy to breathe, there is often decreased oral intake because of dyspnea. A full stomach also impairs the ability of the diaphragm to descend during inspiration, thus interfering with the work of breathing. For these reasons, the patient with COPD should eat six small meals per day taking in a high-calorie, high-protein diet, with non-protein calories divided evenly between fat and carbohydrate. The other interventions will not increase the patient’s caloric intake.
The nurse teaches pursed lip breathing to a patient who is newly diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The nurse reinforces that this technique will assist respiration by which mechanism?
Loosening secretions so that they may be coughed up more easily
Promoting maximal inhalation for better oxygenation of the lungs
Preventing bronchial collapse and air trapping in the lungs during exhalation
Increasing the respiratory rate and giving the patient control of respiratory patterns
Preventing bronchial collapse and air trapping in the lungs during exhalation
The purpose of pursed lip breathing is to slow down the exhalation phase of respiration, which decreases bronchial collapse and subsequent air trapping in the lungs during exhalation. It does not affect secretions, inhalation, or increase the rate of breathing.
