A client is being treated for bacterial pharyngitis. Which of the following should a nurse recommend when promoting the client's nutrition during treatment?

Pulmonary Function Tests assess chronic respiratory conditions like COPD and asthma. In an acute pneumothorax, these tests are unnecessary as the priority is stabilizing the airway and restoring lung expansion. The client is in respiratory distress, making PFTs impractical and irrelevant at this stage.

Obtain Intravenous Access: IV access is necessary to administer fluids, medications, and potential emergency interventions. Given the client's signs of respiratory distress and hemodynamic instability (tachycardia, hypotension), IV access ensures rapid treatment in case of deterioration.

Thoracentesis: Thoracentesis is used to remove pleural fluid in conditions like pleural effusion but is not appropriate for a pneumothorax. Inserting a needle into the pleural space could worsen the lung collapse and lead to further respiratory compromise. The correct intervention is a chest tube insertion.

Obtain ABGs: ABGs provide critical information on oxygenation, ventilation, and acid-base balance. The client has tachypnea, cyanosis, and low O₂ saturation, indicating possible respiratory acidosis or hypoxemia. ABGs will guide oxygen therapy and further management.

Prepare for Insertion of a Chest Tube: A chest tube is the definitive treatment for a pneumothorax. It removes air from the pleural space, allowing lung re-expansion. Given the client's absent breath sounds, tachypnea, and hypoxia, immediate chest tube insertion is necessary to prevent further deterioration.

Computed Tomography (CT) of the Chest: While a CT scan provides detailed lung imaging, it is not the first-line diagnostic tool for pneumothorax. A chest X-ray is usually sufficient to confirm the diagnosis. In an emergency setting, immediate intervention (such as chest tube placement) takes priority over advanced imaging.

A. Self-administer prescribed antibiotics on time and don't skip doses: This statement is not applicable for viral pharyngitis, as antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections. Teaching should clarify that antibiotics are only prescribed for bacterial infections. Therefore, this information should not be included in the teaching plan for viral pharyngitis.
B. Contact HCP promptly for drooling or inability to fully open mouth: This is an important teaching point, as these symptoms may indicate a severe throat infection or complications that require immediate medical attention. Prompt contact with the healthcare provider is essential for any signs of difficulty in swallowing or mouth opening, which may suggest a need for further evaluation and treatment.
C. Drink at least 2-3 liters of fluid/day unless contraindicated: Encouraging adequate hydration is critical for clients with viral pharyngitis, as it helps soothe the throat, thin mucus, and prevent dehydration. This recommendation is appropriate and should be included in the teaching plan, ensuring students understand the importance of hydration in managing symptoms.
D. Do not share beverage cups or food utensils with other individuals: This is a vital precaution to prevent the spread of the viral infection to others. Educating clients on the importance of hygiene and avoiding sharing personal items can help limit transmission and protect others from becoming infected.
E. Inspect body for skin rash development twice per day: While it is important to monitor for any unusual symptoms, this specific action may not be necessary for viral pharyngitis unless there are other clinical indicators that suggest a possible rash. Viral pharyngitis typically does not warrant routine skin inspections for rash development, making this point less relevant in the context of the teaching plan.