A client is having trouble breathing while lying in a dorsal recumbent position. Which action should the nurse implement first?

Document the presence of orthopnea.

Elevate the head of the bed.

Obtain a pulse oximeter.

Assess the client's vital signs.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A.   Orthopnea is a condition where a person has difficulty breathing when lying flat and may require sitting or standing to breathe more easily. While documenting orthopnea is important for the medical record and understanding the client’s condition, it is not the immediate priority in addressing acute breathing difficulty.
B.   Elevating the head of the bed is an immediate and effective action to help alleviate breathing difficulty. This position helps improve respiratory mechanics by allowing the diaphragm to move more freely and reducing pressure on the lungs.
C.   Using a pulse oximeter to measure oxygen saturation is important for assessing the client’s oxygen levels and determining the need for supplemental oxygen. However, this action is secondary to immediately addressing the position that is causing difficulty.
D.   Assessing vital signs is important for a comprehensive evaluation of the client’s overall condition and to identify any critical changes in health status. However, in the case of immediate breathing difficulty, it is more urgent to take actions that directly address the breathing issue before performing a thorough assessment.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Clients receiving immune suppressant therapy, such as those undergoing treatment for cancer, are at a significantly increased risk for healthcare-associated infections. Immune suppressants weaken the body's ability to mount an effective immune response, making individuals more susceptible to infections.
B. Hyperemia, or increased blood flow to a particular area, can be a sign of an acute local infection. While it indicates the presence of infection, the hyperemia itself does not increase the risk of developing a new or additional healthcare-associated infection.
C. Weight loss, especially if associated with dietary changes, may affect overall health and nutritional status, potentially impairing wound healing and immune function. However, it is not as directly linked to an increased risk of HAIs as immune suppression or invasive procedures.
D. Receiving vaccinations generally aims to enhance immunity and protect against specific infections. Immunizations can help prevent infections but do not increase the risk of healthcare-associated infections. This action is preventive rather than a risk factor for HAIs.

A. Position the package of gauze pads on a sterile field. B. Discard the open bottle of solution before continuing. C. Recap the solution and apply a pair of sterile gloves. D. Obtain all new supplies and start the procedure again.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Positioning the package of gauze pads on a sterile field is an appropriate action to maintain sterility and ensure that all items used in the procedure remain uncontaminated. However, this step should be considered only if the solution was poured correctly and the sterility of the gauze pads and solution has been maintained.
B. Discarding the open bottle of solution is not necessary unless it has been contaminated. If the solution is still sterile and has not been contaminated (e.g., by touching non-sterile surfaces), there is no need to discard it. The focus should be on ensuring that the solution and all other items remain sterile.
C. Recapping the solution is not recommended because it can lead to contamination. Instead, the solution should be left open or covered with a sterile cap, if provided. Applying sterile gloves is essential for maintaining sterility during the dressing change procedure, but this should be done after ensuring that all supplies and steps are in order.
D. This action would be necessary only if there was a contamination issue or if the sterility of the supplies or solution was compromised. If the sterile technique was not followed properly or there was a risk of contamination, starting the procedure again with new supplies would be appropriate.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A client is having trouble breathing while lying in a dorsal recumbent position. Which action should the nurse implement first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse identifies the hospitalized client in which situation as being at highest risk for the development of a healthcare associated infection (HAI)?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

When preparing to change a client's sterile dressing, the nurse pours sterile solution over a package of gauze pads as seen in the picture. Which should the nurse do next?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse assesses a client who has a nasal cannula delivering oxygen at 2 liters/minute. To assess for skin damage related to the cannula, what areas should the nurse observe? Select all that apply.

Which breakfast selection indicates that the client understands the nurse's instructions about the dietary management of osteoporosis?

The nurse is performing a functional assessment for a client requiring nursing home care. During the client interview, which action should the nurse implement?

The nurse is preparing to feed a newly admitted older adult client who is debilitated, but is able to respond to most commands. Before starting to feed the client, which information is most important for the nurse to obtain?

An older adult is brought to the clinic by the oldest adult child who found the client lying on the floor at home conscious, but unable to get up by themself. The client is unable to recall what happened. Which action should the nurse take first?

The nurse assesses an adult client with a partial rebreather mask and notes that the oxygen reservoir bag does not deflate completely during inspiration and the client's respiratory rate is 14 breaths/minute. Which action should the nurse implement?

In assisting the family of an older adult client to determine the best living environment for the client, which factor is most important for the nurse to consider?