A patient has the following pulmonary function test results. For which patient should the nurse identify these findings as being normal?
1. a child
2. an adolescent
3. a middle-aged patient
4. an elderly patient
Correct Answer: 4
Elderly patients will have an increased residual capacity (normal 2400 mL) and a decreased vital capacity (normal 4800 mL) because of normal age-related changes of calcification of the costal cartilage and weakening of the intercostal muscles, vertebral osteoporosis, and diaphragmatic flattening and loss of elasticity. A child, an adolescent, or healthy middle-aged patient will not have these changes and will have PFTs within normal limits.
You might also like to view...
The nurse is planning a program to address disaster mitigation activities in the community. What should the nurse consult when preparing this program?
1. community disaster preparedness plan 2. hospital administrators 3. physicians with practices in the community 4. schools and day care centers
A nurse identifies gaps between local and best practices. Which Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) competency is the nurse demonstrating?
a. Safety b. Patient-centered care c. Quality improvement d. Teamwork and collaboration
A healthcare professional is reviewing a patient’s laboratory results and sees that the patient has a low reticulocyte count and a high iron level. Which type of anemia does the professional associate these findings with?
a. Folate deficiency anemia b. Iron deficiency anemia c. Hemolytic anemia d. Anemia of chronic disease
A home care nurse visits a client who lives in a small apartment to perform an admission assessment. During the home safety assessment, the client asks the nurse whether it is safe to use a space heater. What is the appropriate response by the nurse?
A. "A space heater should never be used in an apartment." B. "A space heater can be used as long as it is kept at a low setting at all times." C. "A space heater can be used as long as it is kept in the bedroom at night in case a fire occurs." D. "A space heater can be used as long as it's placed at least 3 feet from anything that may ignite."