Blog

A patient with a prolonged hospitalization from aspiration pneumonia has now developed malodorous and purulent sputum, and a return of previous symptoms including fever, chills, and pleuritic pain. The patient also reports there is a new foul taste to the sputum, and it’s turned dark brown. After ordering the chest x-ray, the provider views it with radiologists and states, “This chest x-ray is the only diagnostic tool we need.” What is the most likely diagnosis?

A patient has progressed to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and the provider has sedated the patient and placed them on mechanical ventilation. The nurse understands this is possibly for what reason? 

The direction of blood flow through the heart is best described by which of these? 

Which conditions listed below may manifest with adventitious lung sounds (i.e. course or fine crackles, pleural rub, etc.)?  

Which of the following is unique to the symptoms of a patient with anaphylactic shock when compared to other types of shock? 

Progressive tissue hypoxia leading to anaerobic metabolism and metabolic acidosis is characteristic of the progressive stage of shock. What changes in the heart contribute to tissue hypoxia? 

Which assessment data is most important for the nurse to obtain when evaluating whether treatment of a patient with anaphylactic shock has been effective? 

A nurse records the health history of a patient who reports new symptoms over the past year including unexplained weight gain, shortness of breath with exertion, new fatigue, and recent dizziness that lead to syncope. The nurse notes the S3 heart sound when auscultating the patient’s lungs, a bounding pulse and +2 bilateral lower extremity edema. The doctor discusses these findings with the patient, explaining that sustained pulmonary hypertension with right ventricular hypertrophy has led to what diagnosis?

Which of the following statements by a nursing student demonstrates accurate understanding of respiratory acidosis? 

Which medication would the nurse anticipate being used first in the emergency department for relief of severe respiratory distress related to asthma?