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.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. While it’s important to understand how the coffee ended up on the tray, determining which staff member made the mistake does not address the immediate issue of ensuring the client’s diet is appropriate. The priority should be to correct the dietary error and ensure that the client receives only what is appropriate for their diet.
B. Consulting with a dietician could provide clarity on dietary restrictions and allowances. However, if the client is on a clear liquid diet, coffee is typically not included because it may have additives (like milk or creamer) or may not be considered suitable for the clear liquid diet.
C. Coffee, unless specified as permissible, generally does not meet the criteria for a clear liquid diet due to its potential to be mixed with non-clear substances and its stimulant properties. Removing the coffee and informing the client of the dietary restriction ensures that the client adheres to the prescribed diet and avoids potential complications or issues with their treatment.
D. This action is not suitable for a clear liquid diet. Coffee itself is typically not allowed on a clear liquid diet, regardless of whether milk or creamer is added. This choice does not address the fundamental issue of the coffee being inappropriate for the client’s diet.

A. Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements. B. Impaired physical mobility. C. Relocation stress syndrome. D. Body image disturbance.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. After a myocardial infarction, it is important to monitor the client’s blood pressure before they start ambulating to assess their hemodynamic stability. Changes in blood pressure during or after ambulation could indicate problems such as orthostatic hypotension or cardiovascular instability.
B. While monitoring urinary output is important for assessing renal function and fluid balance, it is not the most immediate concern when preparing the client to ambulate post-MI. The priority is to ensure cardiovascular stability and safety during ambulation, so other interventions take precedence in this situation.
C. Dietary teaching about a cardiac diet is important for long-term management and recovery after an MI. However, it is not the immediate concern when the client is preparing to ambulate for the first time. The priority at this moment is to ensure the client’s safety and stability during the initial physical activity.
D. Vital signs should certainly be monitored, but the more immediate concern when the client is preparing to ambulate is ensuring cardiovascular stability and assessing any potential risk factors that could arise during the activity.

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

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse observes that a client on a clear liquid diet has a cup of coffee on the breakfast tray. Which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is assessing an older female client who was admitted to a long-term facility two days ago. The resident refuses to go to the dining room for meals and calls for help with all activities of daily living. Which nursing problem is best to include in this client's plan of care?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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