A nurse is auscultating a client’s lung sounds and identifies crackles in the left lower lobe. Which of the following interventions should the nurse take?
Place the client on bed rest in supine position.
Repeat auscultation after asking the client to breathe deeply and cough.
Prepare to administer antibiotics.
Instruct the client to limit fluid intake to less than 2,000 mL/day.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Place the client on bed rest in supine position:
While bed rest might be appropriate for certain respiratory conditions, it is not a specific intervention for crackles. In fact, changing the client's position, such as having them sit up, may enhance lung function and help with breathing.
B. Repeat auscultation after asking the client to breathe deeply and cough:
This is the correct action. Repeating auscultation after having the client take deep breaths and cough can provide additional information about the nature of the crackles and may help clear the airways temporarily.
C. Prepare to administer antibiotics:
Administering antibiotics would be considered if the crackles are indicative of a respiratory infection. However, determining the need for antibiotics would require a more comprehensive assessment, including diagnostic tests.
D. Instruct the client to limit fluid intake to less than 2,000 mL/day:
Limiting fluid intake is not a direct intervention for crackles. This action is typically considered in conditions like heart failure where there is a risk of fluid overload. It is not the primary intervention for addressing crackles in the lungs.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Dorsal surface of the foot:
The skin on the dorsal surface of the foot may have more pigmentation, making it potentially more challenging to detect cyanosis in individuals with dark skin.
B. Pinnae of the ears:
The ears may have variable pigmentation, and the presence of hair can affect the visibility of cyanosis. The skin on the pinnae may not be as thin as the skin on the dorsal surface of the hand.
C. Dorsal surface of the hand
When assessing for cyanosis in a client with dark skin, the nurse should examine areas with less pigmentation or areas where the skin is thin. The dorsal surface of the hand is often a suitable site, as it is less pigmented and can show bluish discoloration if cyanosis is present.
D. Conjunctivae:
The conjunctivae (the mucous membranes lining the inner surface of the eyelids and covering the white part of the eyes) are not a reliable site for assessing cyanosis in individuals with dark skin. Mucous membranes may not show cyanosis as prominently as the skin.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Develop a plan of care for the client:
Developing a plan of care is essential, but it should be informed by the client's current condition, diagnosis, and code status. Documenting the code status is a foundational step.
B. Provide a schedule of visiting hours to the client’s family:
While facilitating family involvement is important, it is not the top priority during the initial admission assessment. Ensuring the client's safety and understanding their code status takes precedence.
C. Teach the client about his diagnosis:
Patient education is important, but in a critical situation, the priority is to assess and document key information, including the code status. Education can follow once the immediate priorities are addressed.
D. Document the client’s code status
When conducting the initial admission assessment for a critical client, the priority action is to document the client's code status. Code status refers to the set of directives given by the client or their legal representative regarding the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other life-sustaining measures in the event of a cardiac or respiratory arrest.
Understanding and documenting the client's code status is crucial for informing the healthcare team about the client's preferences for resuscitation efforts. This information guides the team in providing care that aligns with the client's wishes and values.
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