A few days after a Cerebral Vascular Accident, the patient's family asks the nurse if tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is a drug therapy option now. The nurse's response based on the knowledge that this drug must be used within:

A. Perform passive range of motion on each extremity:

While passive range of motion exercises are important for preventing contractures and maintaining joint mobility in immobilized clients, they are not the highest priority in this situation. Airway management takes precedence over mobility exercises.

B. Monitor the client's electrolyte levels:

Monitoring electrolyte levels is important for overall assessment and management of the client's health, but it is not the highest priority when the client's airway and breathing are compromised.

C. Suction saliva from the client's mouth:

This is the correct answer. Suctioning saliva from the client's mouth helps maintain a clear airway and prevents aspiration. Unconscious clients are at risk for pooling of oral secretions, which can obstruct the airway and lead to respiratory complications.

D. Record the client's intake and output:

While monitoring intake and output is an essential part of nursing care, it is not the highest priority when the client's airway and breathing are compromised.

A. Withhold the next dose and notify the physician:

Withholding the next dose of the cholinergic agent is the appropriate immediate action because the presence of inspiratory and expiratory wheezing bilaterally suggests bronchoconstriction or bronchospasm, which can be a serious adverse reaction to the medication. Notifying the physician promptly allows for further assessment and management of the patient's respiratory symptoms. The physician may need to adjust the medication regimen, order diagnostic tests, or provide treatment for bronchoconstriction.

B. Give the next dose:

Administering the next dose of the cholinergic agent could worsen the patient's respiratory symptoms and exacerbate bronchoconstriction. This action is contraindicated in the presence of wheezing, as it may further compromise the patient's respiratory function.

C. Assess heart rate:

While assessing heart rate is an important aspect of patient assessment, it is not the priority in this scenario. The priority is to address the respiratory distress and potential bronchoconstriction associated with the cholinergic agent. Wheezing is a respiratory symptom that suggests airway obstruction, and immediate intervention is necessary to ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation.

D. Assess blood pressure:

Similarly, while assessing blood pressure is important in patient care, it is not the priority in this situation. The priority is to address the respiratory distress and potential bronchoconstriction associated with the cholinergic agent. Wheezing indicates respiratory compromise, and prompt action is required to prevent further respiratory deterioration.