A client presents to the clinic with a report of itchy eyes, runny nose, and sneezing. Which diagnosis should the nurse anticipate the provider will make for this client?
Asthma
Rhinitis
✓
Bronchitis
Laryngitis
Correct Answer
Rhinitis
The symptoms presented are classic signs of rhinitis.
Question 2
What assessment finding would the nurse anticipate in the client with a diagnosis of asthma?
Inspiratory and expiratory wheezing
✓
Clear breath sounds
Itchy, watery eyes
Cyanosis of the nail beds
Correct Answer
Inspiratory and expiratory wheezing
Asthma is characterized as difficulty moving air into and out of the lungs due to bronchoconstriction. This causes wheezing during inspiration and expiration.
Question 3
A 60-year-old client with a 35-year history of smoking two packs of cigarettes a day reports a chronic cough and thick sputum. Based on these assessment findings, the nurse suspects the client has which condition?
Chronic bronchitis
✓
Sinusitis
Asthma
Emphysema
Correct Answer
Chronic bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is characterized by chronic cough and sputum production. The most common cause is smoking.
Question 4
Which instruction should the nurse give to a client with allergic rhinitis to decrease symptoms?
"Call your provider for antibiotics when symptoms occur."
"A nasal decongestant will not work for this condition."
"Keep a log of when symptoms occur so that triggers can be identified."
✓
"Stay away from people with bacterial respiratory infections."
Correct Answer
"Keep a log of when symptoms occur so that triggers can be identified."
Identifying triggers will help the client decrease symptoms by avoiding the trigger items.
Question 5
The nurse is teaching a client with a respiratory disorder that they may have no symptoms initially but will gradually experience shortness of breath with normal day-to-day activities. Which condition is the nurse describing?
Bronchitis
Pharyngitis
Sinusitis
Emphysema
✓
Correct Answer
Emphysema
Emphysema develops gradually, and many clients have no symptoms at first. Most clients notice shortness of breath when doing normal activities.
Question 6
When providing discharge instructions to a client with COPD, which information should the nurse include?
"You should not exercise because it will aggravate your condition."
"You will need less oxygen over time."
"You may be more susceptible to infections."
✓
"Your disease will be cured with the use of medications."
Correct Answer
"You may be more susceptible to infections."
Clients with COPD are more prone to respiratory infections, so they should implement infection prevention strategies.
Question 7
The nurse is caring for a client with emphysema. Which assessment allows the nurse to monitor the amount of oxygen bound to hemoglobin?
Hemoglobin level
Respiratory rate
Breath sounds
Oxygen saturation
✓
Correct Answer
Oxygen saturation
Oxygen saturation is the amount of oxygen bound to hemoglobin.
Question 8
A client at a health fair asks the nurse how they can reduce their risk of COPD. What lifestyle change can the nurse recommend?
Quit smoking
✓
Avoid vaccines
Decrease fluid intake
Reduce physical activity
Correct Answer
Quit smoking
Emphysema and COPD are most often caused by cigarette smoking.
Question 9
A client has been diagnosed with COPD and asks why they should quit smoking because the damage has already been done. What is an appropriate response by the nurse?
"Quitting smoking will cure the disease."
"Smoking cessation can prevent further damage and may help heal some lung tissue."
✓
"You are right. Quitting now will not do anything to help you."
"You cannot take some of your medications while smoking."
Correct Answer
"Smoking cessation can prevent further damage and may help heal some lung tissue."
Quitting smoking will not cure the disease, but it can prevent more damage.
Question 10
A client with sinusitis reports facial discomfort and pressure. What can the nurse recommend to the client to help reduce these symptoms?
Bronchodilators
Pain reducers
✓
Cough drops
Pneumococcal vaccination
Correct Answer
Pain reducers
Sinus pain and pressure are common symptoms of sinusitis. Using pain reducers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help with these symptoms.