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

A. While this breakfast is healthy and nutritious, it does not contain significant amounts of calcium or vitamin D, which are essential for bone health.
B. Bran muffins, mixed fruit, and orange juice are all good sources of calcium and vitamin D, two essential nutrients for bone health. A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D is recommended for individuals with osteoporosis to help strengthen bones and reduce the risk of fractures.
C. While granola bars and grapefruit juice can be healthy, they may not provide enough calcium and vitamin D to meet the nutritional needs of a client with osteoporosis.
D. While skim milk is a good source of calcium, the bagel and jelly do not provide significant amounts of calcium or vitamin D.

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.