Understanding Medical Surgical Nursing - Chapter 31 Review Questions

A patient asks the nurse why he doesn't feel sick even though his TB test is positive. The nurse knows the patient has been diagnosed with LTBI. Which explanation is best to provide the patient? a. "TB often does not make people feel sick, but is is contagious nevertheless." b. "You have latent disease, which just stays in your system but won't ever make you sick." c. "You have TB infection, but not active disease. As long as your immune system stays strong, it can keep the infection from making you sick." d. "Even though you do not feel sick, the positive test shows that you have the disease and must be treated." - c. LTBI is a latent, not active, infection. Which of the following assessment findings does the nurse expect in the patient with emphysema? a. Purulent sputum b. Diminished breath sounds c. Generalized edema d. Dull chest pain - b. Damaged alveoli and air trapping cause diminished breath sounds. A patient with shortness of breath is being tested for lung cancer. Which diagnostic test will be most conclusive? a. Chest x-ray b. MRI c. Sputum culture d. Biopsy - d. Biopsy is always the most definitive test for cancer. A patient with recurrent pneumothorax is scheduled to have pleurodesis done in one hour. Which nursing intervention should take priority at this time? a. Encourage fluids b. Encourage coughing and deep breathing c. Administer a prn analgesic as ordered. d. Administer a prn bronchodilator as ordered. - c. Pleurodesis is painful; a pain medication should be administered. Which of the following assessment findings in the patient with pneumonia most indicates a need to remind the patient to cough and deep breathe? a. The patient reports chest pain. b. The patient has removed her oxygen. c. The patient develops coarse wheezes and crackles. d. The patient has a fever of 101 F (38.3 C) - c. Wheezes and crackles can signify sputum that needs to be coughed up A patient is admitted to the hospital with shortness of breath. The nurse notes increasing confusion and combativeness during the past hour. Which of the following actions is appropriate first? a. Assess the patient; check to see if the oxygen is flowing correctly. b. Page the physician stat. c. Put up the patient's side rails and apply soft restrainst. d. Administer an intramuscular sedative. - a. Hypoxia can cause confusion and agitation.