Care of Chronic Illness Flashcards
7 cards from real RPN practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Care of Chronic Illness flashcards as text
A patient with chronic pancreatitis is most at risk for which nutritional deficiency?
Answer: Fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies (A, D, E, K)
Chronic pancreatitis impairs lipase production, reducing fat absorption and causing fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies.
A patient with COPD is receiving oxygen therapy at 2 L/min. The nurse notes the patient's respirations have decreased to 8 breaths/min. What should the nurse do first?
Answer: Reduce or discontinue the oxygen and notify the physician
Some COPD patients rely on hypoxic drive; excessive oxygen can suppress respirations, requiring prompt reduction and physician notification.
A patient with hypothyroidism is started on levothyroxine. Which finding indicates the medication is effective?
Answer: Return of normal energy levels and resolution of cold intolerance
Resolution of hypothyroid symptoms such as fatigue and cold intolerance indicates therapeutic levothyroxine levels.
A patient with chronic heart failure is prescribed furosemide. Which electrolyte imbalance is the most common adverse effect?
Answer: Hypokalemia
Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes potassium excretion, frequently causing hypokalemia.
A patient with Type 2 diabetes asks about the purpose of HbA1c testing. The nurse explains it reflects blood glucose control over:
Answer: The past 2-3 months
HbA1c reflects average blood glucose levels over the preceding 2-3 months based on the lifespan of red blood cells.
A nurse is educating a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease about pursed-lip breathing. What is the primary benefit of this technique?
Answer: It slows exhalation and prevents airway collapse
Pursed-lip breathing creates back-pressure that slows exhalation and keeps airways open longer, improving gas exchange.
A patient with chronic venous insufficiency develops leg ulcers. Which intervention is the priority in ulcer management?
Answer: Apply compression bandaging to improve venous return
Compression therapy is the cornerstone of venous ulcer management as it reduces venous hypertension and promotes healing.
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