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

question 26

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.The nurse:

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

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Definitions:

Infection

The invasion and multiplication of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites that are not normally present within the body.

Case-fatality Rate

The percentage of cases of a specified condition or disease that result in death.

Measles

A highly contagious viral infection that affects primarily children, characterized by a distinctive red rash among other symptoms.

Confirmed Cases

Instances of a disease or condition that have been verified by diagnostic testing or medical confirmation.