A newly diagnosed patient asks the nurse to explain asthma. Which of the following explanations by the nurse is correct?

D. Restlessness can be an early sign of hypoxia. Chest wall movement provides information about the effort and effectiveness of breathing, and the color of the nails can indicate cyanosis, which is a sign of poor oxygenation. These data points are directly related to assessing respiratory status and the severity of pneumonia.

A. Hiccups, sweating, and blood pressure can provide useful information about the patient's condition, they do not directly indicate the severity of respiratory distress or oxygenation status. Hiccups can be a sign of diaphragmatic irritation, sweating can indicate fever or infection, and blood pressure is a general vital sign but not specific to respiratory function.
B. Capillary refill can provide information about peripheral perfusion, and the amount of sputum can be relevant to respiratory status, particularly in an infection like pneumonia. Trembling might indicate fever or anxiety but is less directly related to respiratory status compared to other signs.
C. Pupil size and sneezing are not directly related to respiratory function in pneumonia. Pain location could be relevant if it indicates pleuritic pain, but this set of data does not provide the most critical information for assessing respiratory function and oxygenation in a patient with pneumonia.

B. A decrease in the respiratory rate from 32 breaths/minute to 20 breaths/minute indicates improved respiratory status and effectiveness of nursing care. A lower respiratory rate suggests that the patient's breathing is becoming less labored, and oxygenation may be improving.
A. A lower heart rate may suggest a reduction in pain, improved oxygenation, or decreased stress on the cardiovascular system. However, other factors such as medications, rest, and hydration can also influence heart rate. Overall, a decrease in heart rate is a favorable finding.
C. A slight decrease in blood pressure from 140/80 mm Hg to 130/78 mm Hg may indicate a positive response to nursing care. However, blood pressure fluctuations can be influenced by various factors, including hydration status, medications, and underlying medical conditions.
D. Pain management is an essential aspect of nursing care, particularly for patients with lower respiratory infections who may experience discomfort due to coughing, chest congestion, and inflammation. However, pain levels can fluctuate over time and may require ongoing assessment and intervention.