A nurse is assessing a client who takes salmeterol to treat moderate asthma. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the medication has been effective?

Choice A rationale:

Prolonged sun exposure is a risk factor for osteoporosis because it can lead to vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, and low levels of vitamin D can contribute to reduced bone density and increased risk of fractures.

Choice B rationale:

Reduced intake of vitamin E is not a well-established risk factor for osteoporosis. Vitamin E is an antioxidant and plays a role in various bodily processes, but its association with osteoporosis is not supported by strong evidence.

Choice C rationale:

Drinking one glass of wine per day is not a risk factor for osteoporosis. In fact, moderate alcohol consumption has been suggested to have a protective effect on bone density in some studies.

Choice D rationale:

Exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke is a risk factor for osteoporosis. Smoking and exposure to tobacco smoke have been linked to decreased bone density and increased risk of fractures, making this an important point to include in the teaching.

Choice A rationale:

While wearing a protective gown is essential to minimize exposure to bodily fluids and to ensure the nurse's protection, it is not specifically aimed at decreasing the risk for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). The key interventions to prevent VAP focus on maintaining airway hygiene and proper positioning, not just personal protective equipment during suctioning.

Choice B rationale:

Monitoring oral secretions every 2 hours is an important strategy in reducing the risk of VAP. Accumulation of secretions in the mouth and upper airway can promote bacterial growth, increasing the risk of aspiration and infection. By regularly assessing and removing secretions, the nurse can reduce the chances of bacteria being aspirated into the lungs and causing pneumonia.

Choice C rationale:

Oral care every 2 hours is a critical intervention to reduce the risk of VAP. Mechanical ventilation predisposes clients to the growth of bacteria in the oral cavity, and poor oral hygiene increases the risk of oral bacteria being aspirated into the lungs. Regular oral care, including brushing teeth, gums, and the tongue, as well as using antiseptic solutions, helps reduce the microbial load in the mouth and decreases the risk of VAP.

Choice D rationale:

Maintaining a client in a supine position is not recommended for preventing VAP. The best practice is to maintain the head of the bed elevated at a 30-45 degree angle (semi-Fowler's position) to reduce the risk of aspiration. A supine position increases the likelihood of gastric contents or secretions being aspirated into the lungs, which can lead to VAP.

Choice E rationale:

Assessing the client daily for readiness for extubation is an essential practice in preventing VAP. The longer a patient remains intubated, the higher the risk of developing VAP due to prolonged exposure of the endotracheal tube in the airway. Regular assessment for extubation helps to ensure that the client is appropriately weaned off the ventilator as soon as they are stable, reducing the risk of VAP and other complications associated with prolonged ventilation.