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.
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
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While it is true that using proper techniques can reduce the risk of back injuries for healthcare providers, this is not the primary purpose of the log rolling technique. The main goal of log rolling is to protect the client’s spinal alignment rather than focusing on the safety of the staff.
B. This is the best explanation for the purpose of using the log rolling technique. Log rolling is designed to keep the client’s spine in a straight, aligned position while turning. This technique is particularly important for clients with spinal injuries or conditions where maintaining spinal alignment is crucial to prevent further injury or complications.
C. While it is true that turning a client is generally better for skin integrity than pulling, this explanation does not specifically address the purpose of log rolling. Log rolling is more focused on maintaining spinal alignment rather than solely on reducing skin damage.
D. Using two or three people can indeed increase safety during the turning process and help in managing the client more effectively, but this explanation does not capture the primary purpose of the log rolling technique itself.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Decreasing the time intervals between toileting can help prevent accidents by ensuring that the resident has more frequent opportunities to use the bathroom. Encouraging Kegel exercises (pelvic floor exercises) can help strengthen the muscles responsible for controlling urination and may improve incontinence.
B. Using disposable undergarments and changing them frequently can help manage incontinence and protect the skin from irritation and breakdown. However, this intervention primarily addresses the symptoms of incontinence rather than the underlying causes.
C. Limiting fluid intake in the evening can reduce the likelihood of nocturia (nighttime urination) and may help in managing urinary incontinence. However, reducing fluid intake can also lead to dehydration and other health issues.
D. Offering emotional support and reassurance is important for the resident’s mental well-being and can help reduce anxiety related to incontinence. Understanding that urinary incontinence is common among older adults can be comforting, but this approach alone does not address the practical management of the condition or contribute to improving urinary control.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.