A client with oral cancer is receiving radiotherapy (RT) prior to surgery. Which intervention should the nurse teach the client to implement in managing mucositis related to RT?

Rationale for Correct Choices

Option 1: Impaired gas exchange is the priority problem because the client's oxygen saturation is critically low at 88%, and the assessment reveals expiratory wheezes, rapid respirations (28/min), and severe shortness of breath. These indicate difficulty in maintaining adequate oxygenation.

Option 2: "I used my rescue inhaler three times, but I couldn’t catch my breath." This statement directly indicates that the asthma attack is unresponsive to the usual medication, highlighting the severity of the impaired gas exchange.

Rationale for Incorrect Choices

Option 1:

A. Anxiety: While anxiety may be present, it is a secondary issue caused by the asthma attack and is not the root cause of the client’s symptoms.

C. Ineffective airway clearance: Although wheezing suggests partial obstruction, the critical issue is the impaired oxygenation and low oxygen saturation rather than mucus or secretions obstructing the airway.

D. Activity intolerance: The client’s difficulty breathing is not primarily due to exertion but rather to the asthma attack itself.

Option 2:

A. "I was jogging when it started.": This identifies the trigger for the attack but does not explain the severity or lack of response to medication.

C. "My symptoms are worse when outdoors and when exercising.": This is helpful for identifying long-term triggers but does not prioritize the immediate issue of unrelieved shortness of breath.

D. "I noticed my inhaler was expired and was worried the medication was not working.": While this points to a lapse in medication management, it does not address the acute respiratory distress.

Choice A reason: Administering medications as prescribed is a critical intervention for this client experiencing an acute asthma exacerbation. The prescribed medications, including albuterol and ipratropium bromide via nebulizer, act to relieve bronchospasm and improve airflow. Albuterol, a beta-2 adrenergic agonist, works by relaxing smooth muscles in the airway, while ipratropium, an anticholinergic, reduces mucus production and further enhances bronchodilation. Prednisone, a corticosteroid, reduces airway inflammation and prevents progression of the attack. Administering these medications promptly addresses the underlying pathophysiology of the asthma attack, improves oxygenation, and reduces the risk of complications like hypoxemia or respiratory failure. This is an essential and time-sensitive step in the client’s care.

Choice B reason: Providing client teaching is essential to address both immediate and long-term care needs. Education should focus on the correct use of inhalers, the importance of monitoring expiration dates, and adherence to prescribed medications. The nurse should explain proper inhalation techniques, the role of maintenance medications in preventing exacerbations, and the importance of identifying and avoiding triggers such as outdoor allergens and exercise without premedication. Additionally, discussing early signs of asthma worsening and when to seek medical attention can empower the client to better manage their condition and prevent severe exacerbations in the future. This intervention ensures the client has the tools to reduce recurrence and improve quality of life.

Choice C reason: Notifying the healthcare provider of the client's need for intubation is unnecessary at this stage based on the assessment data. While the client is in respiratory distress, indicated by increased respiratory rate and low oxygen saturation, they remain alert and responsive, with expiratory wheezes present—a sign that air is moving through the lungs. Intubation is reserved for clients in severe respiratory failure who are unable to maintain oxygenation or ventilation despite aggressive interventions. Administering nebulized medications and corticosteroids should stabilize the client and resolve the acute symptoms, making this action premature and inappropriate.

Choice D reason: Placing the client in the Trendelenburg position is contraindicated in asthma management and respiratory distress. The Trendelenburg position involves lowering the head of the bed and elevating the feet, which could worsen breathing by increasing pressure on the diaphragm, reducing lung expansion, and exacerbating hypoxemia. The preferred position for clients in respiratory distress is a high Fowler’s position, which promotes optimal lung expansion and improves oxygenation. The Trendelenburg position is used for specific conditions like shock or hypotension but has no role in managing asthma exacerbations.

Choice E reason: Asking the client for a list of current medications is a vital step in obtaining an accurate medication history and identifying potential factors contributing to the asthma exacerbation. An expired rescue inhaler suggests possible gaps in medication adherence or management. Understanding the client’s current medications, including any maintenance inhalers or allergy treatments, helps the healthcare team adjust the treatment plan effectively. Additionally, this step ensures that new prescriptions do not conflict with existing medications, reducing the risk of adverse interactions. It also highlights any missed preventive measures, such as maintenance therapy with inhaled corticosteroids, which can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.