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 B

Explanation

A. Assessing whether the expected outcomes were realistic involves evaluating if the goals set in the plan of care were achievable given the client’s condition, resources, and constraints. While this is an important consideration, it is not the immediate next step after reviewing the expected outcomes.
B. After reviewing the expected outcomes, the next critical step is to gather and analyze current client data. This includes assessing the client’s current condition, symptoms, and responses to interventions. By comparing this data with the expected outcomes, the nurse can determine if the goals are being met, if they need adjustment, or if different interventions are required.
C. Reviewing professional standards of care involves understanding the accepted norms and guidelines for nursing practice. While important, this action typically precedes the direct evaluation of care and is part of ensuring that the care plan was developed and implemented according to professional guidelines.
D. Modifying nursing interventions is an action that might be required if the evaluation shows that the expected outcomes are not being met. However, this action is taken after evaluating the effectiveness of the current interventions by comparing client data with expected outcomes.

A. Explain the respiratory problems that can occur with morphine use. B. Recommend asking the healthcare professional for a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump. C. Provide client with a schedule of around-the-clock prescribed analgesic use. D. Teach family how to evaluate the effectiveness of analgesics.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Morphine is a potent opioid used for pain relief, but it can have side effects, including respiratory depression. While it is important to be aware of and discuss potential side effects, focusing on
respiratory problems might increase the client’s anxiety about using the medication.
B. A PCA pump allows patients to self-administer pain medication within prescribed limits, providing more control over pain management. However, PCA pumps are typically used in hospital settings and may not be practical or appropriate for home hospice care.
C. Providing a schedule for around-the-clock analgesic use is a practical and effective approach to pain management. It ensures that the client receives consistent pain relief and helps prevent the pain from becoming unmanageable.
D. Teaching the family to evaluate the effectiveness of analgesics is important for ongoing pain management. This includes recognizing signs of pain relief and potential side effects. However, this action might be more relevant once pain management is underway and requires follow-up, rather than addressing the immediate concern of managing pain effectively from the start.

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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

When evaluating the effectiveness of a client's nursing care, the nurse first reviews the expected outcomes identified in the plan of care. What action should the nurse take next?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

In-home hospice care is arranged for a client with stage 4 lung cancer. While the palliative care nurse is arranging for discharge, the client verbalizes concerns about pain. Which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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