ANSWER: Nurse says "We get a lot of older adults coming for
appointments; they have developmental changes that put them at risk
for many pulmonary problems", this means Older adults are more
prone to get respiratory infections and lungs related diseases, for
example, COPD, tuberculosis, pulmonary edema, emphysema, pulmonary
embolism, etc. because:
- as the become more aged their lung capacity, strength,
respiratory status changes.the
- functioning of the lungs also gets decreased and
ineffective.
- the decrease in airflow, weakening of respiratory muscles.
- the decline in respiratory defense mechanism
effectiveness.
- alveoli lose their shape and become baggy.
- change in shape, size, and structure of ribcage
- decrease the flexibility of the diaphragm and narrow
airways.
All these above changes in older adults lead to more pulmonary
problems listed above.
ANSWER: NURSE SHOULD ASK QUESTIONS REGARDING PATIENT's
COMPLAINT:
- What type of difficulties and signs and symptoms you are
facing? Is there any change in breathing or respiration
pattern?
- Is there a change in activity tolerance level, diet pattern or
weight these days?
- Do you smoke, or get any shot of vaccine-like pneumococcal
vaccine or any other?
- Nurse should collect full history of the patient like past
medical history, family history any history of infection,
socioeconomic status, and environmental status.
- Do you have a cough, or sputum is there, or any symptoms of
fever, labored, and rapid breathing?
ANSWER: Pulse oximeter is the device used to measure oxygen
saturation in blood, probe is placed on finger, earlobe,or toe.
Strategies to use to ensure accurate readings are:
- remove the nailpaint if patient is having nailpaint by remover
it may interfere the readings.
- Observe the client whether he is trembling or shivering whether
there is adequate blood flow, poor circulation, or cold hands.
- make sure the probe is attached to the finger properly.
- If you have still a problem with getting problems use the other
finger or another side for better readings.
- correct position of probe and hand is must.
- make sure patient is sitting still.
ANSWER: Sputum specimen is used to collect the sputum for
diagnosis of disease like tuberculosis, or to detect the causing
microorganism. We should instruct the patient to obtain this
specimen by :
- always advised client to take or use clean cups or boxes for
the specimen.
- Do not open the box or container until you use it.
- Advice client to take sample in the morning before any drinking
or eating
- Do not use mouthwash.
- Advise the client to take a deep breath, slowly exhale and then
again take breath and do coughing to obtain sputum specimen.
- At least collect 5ml of the specimen.
- Close the container tightly without entering air.
- Label the container correctly, with name and ID number.