When Assessing a 75-Year-Old Patient Who Has Asthma, the Nurse

question 8

Multiple Choice

When assessing a 75-year-old patient who has asthma, the nurse notes that he assumes a tripod position, leaning forward with arms braced on the chair. How should the nurse interpret these findings?

• A) Assume that the patient is eager and interested in participating in the interview.
• B) Evaluate the patient for abdominal pain, which may be exacerbated in the sitting position.
• C) Assume that the patient is having difficulty breathing and assist him to a supine position.
• D) Recognize that a tripod position is often used when a patient is having respiratory difficulties.

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Definitions:

Linear Perspective

Linear perspective is a technique in art and photography that creates the illusion of depth and distance on a flat surface, using converging lines and a vanishing point.

Principle

A fundamental truth, law, doctrine, or motivating force, upon which others are based or derived.

Relative Motion

The movement of an object in relation to another object, considering both of their movements in a specific frame of reference.

Shape Constancy

The sensory experience in which an object's observed shape stays the same, even when the perspective or distance from which it is seen changes.