Pre-Test 1 and 2: Introduction to Special Questions Based on Official NCLEX-RN[®]
24. A 65-year-old man with a 45-year history of smoking reports a change in his cough pattern, a nonproductive cough, and generally not feeling well. The chest x-ray reveals an infiltrate. A nurse should suspect:
Test-Taking Tip
Only pneumonia has a nonproductive cough—the others all produce sputum.
Content Area: Adult Health, Respiratory; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Analysis; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Physiological Adaptation/Pathophysiology
Pre-Test 1 and 2: Introduction to Special Questions Based on Official NCLEX-RN[®]
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Answer 1 is correct because the symptoms are characteristic of pneumonia. Answer 2 is incorrect because the client reports a "change." COPD is a chronic condition with sputum production. Answer 3 is incorrect because the development of pulmonary edema includes frothy sputum. The client indicates a nonproductive cough. Answer 4 is incorrect because tuberculosis includes a productive cough, fever, sweats, and weight loss.
