A client who has a continuous tube feeding develops a fever and reports experiencing dyspnea. Which action should the nurse implement?
Report the findings to the healthcare provider.
Review the client's current electrolyte values.
Demonstrate the use of an incentive spirometer.
Connect the tube to low intermittent suction.
The Correct Answer is A
A. The development of a fever and dyspnea in a client receiving continuous tube feeding could indicate a serious complication, such as aspiration pneumonia, infection, or another significant issue. Reporting these findings to the healthcare provider is crucial for further assessment, diagnosis, and intervention.
B. While monitoring electrolyte values is important in clients receiving tube feedings, especially if there are concerns about dehydration or imbalances, it is not the immediate priority in this scenario. The client's fever and dyspnea suggest an acute issue that needs prompt attention, and addressing the acute symptoms and reporting them to the healthcare provider takes precedence over reviewing electrolytes.
C. An incentive spirometer is useful for improving lung function and preventing atelectasis, particularly in postoperative or immobile patients. However, the presence of fever and dyspnea could indicate a more urgent problem such as aspiration or infection, which requires immediate medical evaluation and intervention.
D. Connecting the tube to low intermittent suction is typically used to decompress the stomach in cases of gastric distension or to prevent aspiration of gastrointestinal contents. However, in the context of the client's new onset of fever and dyspnea, this action does not directly address the potential underlying cause, which could be more serious.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Allowing privacy for the family and client is a compassionate and appropriate action, especially as the client's death is imminent. This respects the client's wishes and provides a supportive environment for the family to process their emotions and say their goodbyes.
B. Continuously measuring blood pressure in this scenario is less appropriate because the client is in the final stages of life and their focus should be on comfort rather than monitoring vital signs. Frequent blood pressure measurements may be distressing for the family and do not align with the goals of end- of-life care, which prioritize comfort and dignity.
C. Teaching the family to use an oral suction device is not appropriate at this stage because the client is actively dying, and such interventions are not typically useful or necessary in end-of-life care. The focus should be on providing comfort rather than invasive procedures or teaching new skills to family members.
D. Applying oxygen and elevating the head of the bed can be appropriate interventions for clients experiencing respiratory distress; however, this may conflict with the advance directive if the directive explicitly states no resuscitative measures
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. This action involves assessing which staff members are appropriately equipped to handle the situation. While it is useful to know which staff are fitted with particulate filter masks, this step does not directly address the UAP’s immediate concern or resolve the issue with the current assignment.
B. Pertussis (whooping cough) is a disease that requires droplet precautions, which generally means using a standard surgical mask rather than a particulate filter mask. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the UAP is aware of and follows the correct infection control measures.
C. Pertussis requires droplet precautions, which usually involve wearing a standard surgical mask, not a particulate filter mask (N95). Fitting for an N95 mask is generally reserved for airborne precautions.
D. This action addresses the immediate need by allowing the UAP to perform tasks that do not involve close personal care (such as taking vital signs) with a standard face mask, which is appropriate for droplet precautions. It also ensures that the UAP receives proper fitting for a particulate filter mask if needed for other tasks or future assignments.
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