A client who was admitted yesterday with bilateral pneumonia has congested breath sounds, an oxygen saturation of 94% on room air, and an oral temperature of 100° F (37.8° C). The client has a weak cough effort and is using accessory muscles to breathe. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
Obtain arterial blood gases.
Administer a prescribed antipyretic.
Offer a prescribed PRN analgesic.
Suction to clear secretions from airway.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Obtaining arterial blood gases is important for assessing respiratory status but is not the immediate priority.
B. Administering an antipyretic can help reduce fever but does not address the immediate respiratory distress the client is experiencing.
C. Offering an analgesic can improve comfort but is not the priority intervention in this scenario.
D. Suctioning to clear secretions from the airway is the most critical intervention to improve the client’s respiratory status, especially given the weak cough effort and use of accessory muscles, indicating possible airway obstruction or ineffective clearance of secretions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Securing a disposable collar is not the most important action during the tie change.
B. Leaving the old tube in place until the new ones are secure is critical to maintain the airway and prevent accidental dislodgement of the tracheostomy tube, ensuring the client can breathe effectively during the procedure.
C. Placing knots laterally may help reduce irritation but does not address the immediate concern of securing the airway during the tie change.
D. Securing ties close to the tube can lead to pressure injuries and irritation but is not the priority compared to ensuring airway security.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The priority nursing problem is the risk for aspiration related to difficulty swallowing (dysphagia). This condition poses an immediate risk to the client's safety as they may inhale food or liquids into the lungs, leading to aspiration pneumonia, which can be life-threatening.
B. While chronic pain is significant, addressing the risk of aspiration is more urgent in this context, especially considering the client's current symptoms.
C. Imbalanced nutrition is a concern, but it is secondary to the immediate risk posed by dysphagia and aspiration.
D. Although anxiety and grieving are important to address, they do not present an immediate threat to the client’s safety compared to the risk of aspiration.
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