A nurse administers an opioid analgesic to a postoperative client who also has severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Which Intervention is most important for the nurse to implement before leaving the client alone?
Elevate the head of the bed to a 45 degree angle.
Lift and lock the side rails in place.
Apply the client's positive airway pressure device.
Remove dentures or other oral appliance.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Elevate the head of the bed to a 45-degree angle:
Elevating the head of the bed can help improve airway patency and reduce the risk of airway obstruction in clients with OSA. While this intervention is important, applying the positive airway pressure device (CPAP or BiPAP) takes precedence due to its direct impact on maintaining airway patency and preventing respiratory compromise.
B. Lift and lock the side rails in place:
Ensuring the safety of the client by lifting and locking the side rails is important, but it does not directly address the client's OSA or the potential respiratory depression associated with opioid analgesic administration.
C. Apply the client's positive airway pressure device:
This is the most important intervention in this scenario. Clients with severe obstructive sleep apnea rely on positive airway pressure devices, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP), to maintain airway patency and prevent episodes of apnea during sleep. Applying the device before leaving the client alone ensures continuous support for effective breathing.
D. Remove dentures or other oral appliance:
While removing dentures or other oral appliances may be necessary for client comfort and safety, it is not directly related to managing OSA or preventing respiratory compromise associated with opioid analgesic administration.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Advise the UAP to wear a standard face mask to obtain vital signs, and then get fitted for a filter mask before providing personal care:
This option might be tempting but is not appropriate because the UAP should be properly equipped with the correct protective gear before any contact with the client. Bacterial meningitis requires droplet precautions, and a standard face mask is sufficient for this type of precaution, not a particulate filter mask.
B. Send the UAP to be fitted for a particulate filter mask immediately so the UAP can provide care to this client:
This action is unnecessary because bacterial meningitis requires droplet precautions, which only necessitate a standard surgical mask, not a particulate filter mask like an N95, which is used for airborne precautions. This option indicates a misunderstanding of the type of precautions needed for bacterial meningitis.
C. Instruct the UAP that a standard face mask is sufficient to be able to provide care for the assigned client:
This is the correct course of action. Bacterial meningitis requires droplet precautions, which only require a standard face mask. The UAP can safely provide care using a standard mask.
D. Before changing assignments, determine which staff members have fitted particulate filter masks:
While it is prudent to know which staff members are fitted for particulate filter masks, this is not necessary for caring for a client with bacterial meningitis under droplet precautions. The focus should be on ensuring the UAP understands that a standard mask is sufficient.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Encourage the use of incontinence briefs:
While incontinence briefs may help contain fecal leakage and protect clothing and bedding, they do not address the underlying issue of fecal incontinence or assist the client in achieving continence. Additionally, relying solely on incontinence briefs may not promote independence or improve the client's quality of life.
B. Assist to a bedside commode 30 minutes after meals:
This is the most appropriate intervention for establishing a bowel training regimen. Timing the use of the bedside commode after meals takes advantage of the gastrocolic reflex, which increases bowel motility after eating. Assisting the client to the commode at specific intervals helps promote regular bowel movements and may decrease the likelihood of fecal incontinence episodes.
C. Administer a glycerin suppository 15 minutes after meals:
While glycerin suppositories can stimulate bowel movements, they are typically used for acute constipation rather than chronic fecal incontinence. Additionally, using suppositories does not address the client's emotional distress or help establish a bowel training regimen focused on promoting continence.
D. Insert a rectal tube at specified intervals:
Rectal tubes are not typically used as a first-line intervention for bowel training in clients with fecal incontinence. They may be indicated in certain situations, such as severe impaction or when other interventions have failed, but they are not appropriate for all clients and may cause discomfort and complications.
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