Question 1

The nurse is concerned about an older adult client developing toxic levels of the prescribed theophylline when it is determined that the client has a(n):

Accepted Answer

Theophylline is a medication that is affected by smoking, which increases serum drug levels.

Question 2

When teaching older adult asthmatic clients techniques for improving their prognosis, the nurse stresses the importance of which of the following? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The prognosis for an older adult with asthma is relatively good. Success is based on a partnership between the client and the health care provider to properly use prescribed medications, avoid asthma triggers, identify early signs of exacerbation, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Question 3

An older adult client who has tuberculosis is being treated with the drugs isoniazid 300 mg daily, rifampin 600 mg daily, and pyrazinamide 1500 mg daily.The nurse stresses the importance that the client:

Accepted Answer

Clients should not drink alcohol while taking isoniazid.

Question 4

An older client admitted to the hospital with symptoms strongly suggestive of tuberculosis has a negative Mantoux test.The nurse correctly anticipates that:

Accepted Answer

Tuberculin skin testing in older clients is an unreliable indicator of TB because they are more likely to have false-negative results due to reduced immune system activity. If skin testing is used, it is recommended that the standard 5 tuberculin unit (TU) Mantoux test be given and then repeated to create a booster effect.

Question 5

An 80-year-old client is concerned about contracting pneumonia.The nurse educates her that the key to prevention is:

Accepted Answer

The key to pneumonia prevention is being appropriately vaccinated.

Question 6

The nurse evaluating the effectiveness of an older client's self management of asthmatic symptoms is particularly interested in which of the following? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The evaluation of self-management is based on the client's success in following through with the plan. Determine the frequency of rescue inhaler use, success at avoiding triggers, and the client's ability to monitor and address lifestyle changes.

Question 7

The nurse preparing information for the caregivers of a 79-year-old with chronic respiratory issues will make the greatest impact on their ability to provide quality care while maintaining their own emotional well being by including:

Accepted Answer

Many clients with respiratory illness feel a loss of control over their lives because of their symptoms. They may become demanding and controlling in dealing with their families and friends.

Question 8

Because the older adult is not as likely to exhibit the typical signs of ineffective gas exchange, the nurse is particularly suspicious of:

Accepted Answer

An early sign of respiratory problems is a change in mental status. Because the physiologic responses to hypoxemia and hypercapnia are blunted in older clients, compensatory changes in heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure may be delayed and cerebral perfusion may suffer. Mental status changes may include subtle increases in forgetfulness and irritability.

Question 9

The nurse is aware the typical occurrence of comorbidities in the older adult.Motivated by this knowledge the nurse assesses a client with diagnosed respiratory dysfunction for possible:

Accepted Answer

In addition, older clients are more likely to have comorbidities involving the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Peripheral circulation is a possible cardiovascular problem that would result in poor wound healing.

Question 10

The nurse caring for an older adult prescribed corticosteroids for asthma educates the client that the medication is safe and well tolerated when:

Accepted Answer

Corticosteroids are the most potent and effective long-term-control medications are well tolerated and safe when used at the recommended dosage.

Question 11

In order to best minimize an older adult's risk for developing a pos surgical atelectasis, the nurse does which of the following? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Promotion of deep breathing, effective pain management, adequate hydration, frequent position changes, and early mobility will decrease the risk of developing atelectasis.

Question 12

The nurse is coordinating care for a newly admitted older adult diagnosed with hypertension, asthma, atrial fibrillation, mild osteoarthritis, and glaucoma.Before administering the client's newly prescribed corticosteroid medication, the nurse is especially interested in which of the following? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Asthma may be exacerbated by the use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents for arthritis, aspirin for circulation, nonselective beta-blockers for hypertension, or glaucoma eye drops that contain beta-blockers.

Question 13

An older adult's pulmonary function studies indicate that his vital capacity is reduced and his residual volume is increased.The nurse recognizes that these test results are observed in the client's:

Accepted Answer

Normal aging results in the progressive loss of elastic recoil of the lung parenchyma and conducting airways as well as reduced elastic recoil of the lung and the opposing forces of the chest wall. The lung becomes less elastic as collagenic substances surrounding the alveoli and alveolar ducts stiffen and form cross-linkages that interfere with the elastic properties of the lungs. Any and all of these structural changes makes it more difficult for the older person to ventilate.

Question 14

The nurse best maximizes an older adult's potential to avoid developing a postsurgical respiratory infection by:

Accepted Answer

Older adults have a decrease in the number and effectiveness of cilia in the tracheobronchial tree, which results in increasing difficulty clearing secretions.

Question 15

Because the diagnosis of asthma can be difficult in that it mimics other conditions, the nurse gives priority to assessing an older client who presents with symptoms of acute respiratory distress for:

Accepted Answer

The symptoms of asthma mimic other conditions such as myocardial ischemia.

Quiz 24: Respiratory Function

The nurse is concerned about an older adult client developing toxic levels of the prescribed theophylline when it is determined that the client has a(n) :