A nurse is assisting with the care of a school-age child who has respiratory failure due to pneumonia. Which of the following positions should the nurse encourage to allow maximal lung expansion?

Choice A reason: Obtaining a prescription to administer insulin is an important action for the nurse to take, as insulin helps to lower the blood glucose level and reverse the metabolic acidosis caused by diabetic ketoacidosis. However, it is not the first action the nurse should take, as the client's hypoxia is a more urgent problem that requires immediate intervention.

Choice B reason: Obtaining a prescription for supplemental oxygen is the first action the nurse should take, as hypoxia is a life-threatening condition that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. The nurse should provide oxygen therapy to improve the client's oxygen saturation and prevent further complications.

Choice C reason: Obtaining a prescription to check the client's glucose level is a necessary action for the nurse to take, as glucose monitoring helps to evaluate the client's response to insulin therapy and guide further interventions. However, it is not the first action the nurse should take, as the client's hypoxia is a more urgent problem that requires immediate intervention.

Choice D reason: Obtaining a prescription to administer intravenous fluids is a beneficial action for the nurse to take, as fluid replacement helps to correct the dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and hypotension caused by diabetic ketoacidosis. However, it is not the first action the nurse should take, as the client's hypoxia is a more urgent problem that requires immediate intervention.

Choice A reason: Numbness of fingers is not a sign of respiratory acidosis. It can be caused by other conditions such as peripheral neuropathy, Raynaud's syndrome, or carpal tunnel syndrome.

Choice B reason: Abdominal pain is not a sign of respiratory acidosis. It can be caused by other conditions such as gastritis, appendicitis, or gallstones.

Choice C reason: Dry skin is not a sign of respiratory acidosis. It can be caused by other conditions such as dehydration, eczema, or hypothyroidism.

Choice D reason: Lethargy is a sign of respiratory acidosis, as it indicates a low level of oxygen and a high level of carbon dioxide in the brain. Lethargy is a state of reduced mental and physical activity, which can progress to confusion, coma, or death if not treated.