A nurse is auscultating a client’s lung sounds and identifies crackles in the left lower lobe. Which intervention should the nurse take first?

Repeat auscultation after asking the client to take a deep breath and cough.

Instruct the client to limit fluid intake to less than 2,000 mL/day.

Place the client on bed rest in semi-Fowler’s position.

Prepare to administer antibiotics.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A Reason:

Repeating auscultation after asking the client to take a deep breath and cough is the first intervention the nurse should take. This action helps to clear any secretions or mucus that might be causing the crackles. If the crackles persist after the client coughs, it indicates that the sounds are likely due to fluid in the lungs, which requires further assessment and intervention. This step ensures that the nurse accurately identifies the cause of the crackles before proceeding with other interventions.

Choice B Reason:

Instructing the client to limit fluid intake to less than 2,000 mL/day might be appropriate in cases of fluid overload or heart failure, but it is not the first intervention. The nurse needs to confirm the cause of the crackles before making any recommendations about fluid intake. Limiting fluid intake without proper assessment could lead to dehydration and other complications.

Choice C Reason:

Placing the client on bed rest in semi-Fowler’s position can help improve lung expansion and oxygenation by reducing pressure on the diaphragm. However, this is not the first intervention. The nurse should first determine if the crackles are due to secretions that can be cleared by coughing. Semi-Fowler’s position is beneficial for patients with respiratory distress, but it does not address the immediate need to reassess lung sounds.

Choice D Reason:

Preparing to administer antibiotics is not the first intervention. Antibiotics are used to treat infections, and the nurse needs to confirm whether the crackles are due to an infection or another cause before administering medication. Immediate administration of antibiotics without proper assessment could lead to inappropriate treatment and antibiotic resistance.

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Correct Answer is ["A","D"]

Explanation

Choice A Reason:

Date of birth is an acceptable client identifier. The Joint Commission specifies that using the date of birth helps ensure accurate identification of the client. This identifier is unique to each individual and is less likely to be duplicated.

Choice B Reason:

Photograph identification is not typically listed as an acceptable identifier by the Joint Commission. While it can be useful in some settings, it is not one of the primary identifiers recommended for ensuring patient safety.

Choice C Reason:

Facility room number is not an acceptable client identifier. The Joint Commission explicitly states that room numbers should not be used as identifiers because they can change and are not unique to the individual.

Choice D Reason:

Client’s full name is an acceptable client identifier. Using the full name helps to accurately identify the client and match them with their medical records and treatment plans.

A. Encourage coughing and deep breathing. B. Elevate the client to a high Fowler’s position. C. Administer prescribed analgesic medication. D. Administer oxygen at 2 L/min.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Encouraging coughing and deep breathing is important for postoperative care to prevent complications such as atelectasis and pneumonia. However, with an oxygen saturation of 85%, the immediate priority is to address the client’s hypoxemia. Once oxygen levels are stabilized, coughing and deep breathing exercises can be encouraged.

Choice B reason: Elevating the client to a high Fowler’s position can help improve lung expansion and ease breathing. While this is a beneficial intervention, it is not the first priority when the client’s oxygen saturation is critically low. Administering oxygen should be the initial step to quickly improve oxygenation.

Choice C reason: Administering prescribed analgesic medication is essential for managing the client’s pain, which can also help improve breathing patterns. However, pain management should follow the immediate correction of hypoxemia. Ensuring adequate oxygenation takes precedence over pain relief in this scenario.

Choice D reason: Administering oxygen at 2 L/min is the first action the nurse should take. With an oxygen saturation of 85%, the client is experiencing significant hypoxemia, which needs to be corrected promptly to prevent further complications. Oxygen therapy will help increase the oxygen levels in the blood and improve the client’s overall condition.

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A nurse is auscultating a client’s lung sounds and identifies crackles in the left lower lobe. Which intervention should the nurse take first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is preparing to administer oral medications to a client. According to the Joint Commission, which are acceptable client identifiers? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["A","D"]

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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