A middle-aged client reports, "I can't get my breath when I walk." Upon assessment, the nurse notes that the patient has a barrel chest and is using his accessory muscles to breathe. The patient's respiratory rate is 28/min. On palpation, there is limited expansion and decreased tactile fremitus. Percussion yields hyperresonant sounds. On auscultation, prolonged expiration, scattered wheezes, and rhonchi are present. Which disorder would the nurse suspect?

Choice A rationale:

Helping the client select a low-salt diet is not directly related to addressing tenacious bronchial secretions. While a low-salt diet might have some implications for overall cardiovascular health, it doesn't specifically address the issue of secretions in the lungs.

Choice B rationale:

Encouraging the client to drink 2 to 3 L of water daily is generally beneficial for maintaining hydration and thinning mucus secretions. However, it doesn't directly address the problem of not being able to bring up secretions. Other interventions are more suitable for that issue.

Choice C rationale:

Administering oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min can provide respiratory support, but it doesn't directly address the problem of tenacious bronchial secretions. Oxygen therapy primarily aims to improve oxygenation, not facilitate mucus clearance.

Choice D rationale:

This is the correct choice. Maintaining a semi-Fowler's position (head of the bed elevated to approximately 30-45 degrees) can help improve lung expansion and facilitate drainage of bronchial secretions. This position helps to reduce the pooling of secretions in the airways, making it easier for the client to cough and bring up the mucus.

A. Volunteer to provide an inservice about infection control.While providing an inservice about infection control is important, it is not the immediate priority. The nurse needs to address the current situation to prevent potential contamination and infection spread.

B. Speak with the AP when he exits the room about the appropriate protocol.Speaking with the AP about the appropriate protocol is necessary, but it should be done after ensuring the immediate safety of the client and others. Delaying action could result in exposure to infectious agents.

C. Provide the appropriate PPE to the AP.This action addresses the immediate risk of infection transmission. By providing the appropriate PPE, the nurse ensures that the AP can safely continue their duties without putting themselves or the client at risk.

D. Notify the charge nurse about the AP's need for training.Notifying the charge nurse is important for long-term improvement, but it does not address the immediate risk. The nurse must first ensure that the AP is properly equipped to handle the current situation safely.