A critical-care nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with pneumonia as a surgical complication. The nurse’s assessment reveals that the client has an increased work of breathing due to copious tracheobronchial secretions. What should the nurse encourage the patient to do?
Lie in a low Fowler’s or supine position
Increase oral fluids unless contraindicated
Increase activity
Call the nurse for oral suctioning as needed
The Correct Answer is D
A. Lie in a low Fowler’s or supine position:
Lying in a low Fowler's or supine position may worsen respiratory distress and compromise oxygenation. It can reduce lung expansion and increase the work of breathing, especially in patients with pneumonia. This is not a recommended position for individuals with respiratory issues.
B. Increase oral fluids unless contraindicated:
Increasing oral fluids is generally a good practice, especially in respiratory conditions like pneumonia. It helps thin respiratory secretions, making them easier to clear. However, this alone may not address copious tracheobronchial secretions. Suctioning may be needed to effectively remove excess secretions.
C. Increase activity:
Increasing activity may be beneficial for some patients, but it might exacerbate respiratory distress in others, especially if they are already experiencing increased work of breathing. The appropriateness of increasing activity depends on the specific condition and the patient's overall stability.
D. Call the nurse for oral suctioning as needed:
This is the most appropriate choice. If the client is experiencing increased work of breathing due to copious tracheobronchial secretions, calling the nurse for oral suctioning is an intervention aimed at maintaining a clear airway and alleviating respiratory distress. Regular suctioning may be necessary to assist the client in managing secretions effectively.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Intermittent claudication:
Intermittent claudication is more commonly associated with peripheral arterial insufficiency rather than venous insufficiency. It is caused by inadequate blood flow to the muscles during activity, resulting in cramping or pain that typically resolves with rest.
B. Brownish discoloration to the legs:
Brownish discoloration to the legs, often referred to as hemosiderin staining, is a common finding in peripheral venous insufficiency. It occurs due to the breakdown of red blood cells and the deposition of hemosiderin in the tissues, especially around the ankles.
C. Weak or absent pedal pulses:
Weak or absent pedal pulses are more indicative of peripheral arterial insufficiency rather than venous insufficiency. Peripheral arterial disease can result in decreased blood flow to the extremities, leading to diminished pulses.
D. Unequal peripheral pulses between extremities:
Unequal peripheral pulses between extremities are also more suggestive of arterial insufficiency. Conditions such as atherosclerosis or arterial embolism can cause variations in pulses between different limbs.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Standard precautions:
Standard precautions are the basic level of infection control and should be used for all patient care. These precautions include practices like hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe injection practices.
B. Airborne precautions:
These precautions are used to prevent the transmission of infectious agents that are spread through the air. In the case of tuberculosis (TB), which is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, airborne precautions are necessary to reduce the risk of airborne transmission.
C. Contact precautions:
Contact precautions are used for patients with known or suspected infections that can be transmitted by direct or indirect contact. Examples include Clostridium difficile infection and multidrug-resistant organisms. These precautions involve the use of PPE and may include patient placement in a private room.
D. Droplet precautions:
Droplet precautions are used when a patient is known or suspected to be infected with pathogens that are transmitted by respiratory droplets. Examples include influenza and certain types of bacterial meningitis. These precautions include placing the patient in a private room and using PPE.
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