A nurse is caring for a client who has acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and requires mechanical ventilation. The client receives a prescription for pancuronium. The nurse recognizes that this medication is for which of the following purposes?

Choice A reason: Narrowed pulse pressure is not a specific manifestation of pneumonia in the older adult client. Pulse pressure is the difference between the systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings. A normal pulse pressure is about 40 mm Hg, and a narrowed pulse pressure is less than 25 mm Hg. A narrowed pulse pressure can indicate various conditions, such as heart failure, shock, or aortic stenosis, but it is not a sign of pneumonia.

Choice B reason: Night sweats are not a common manifestation of pneumonia in the older adult client. Night sweats are episodes of excessive sweating during sleep that can soak the bedding or clothing. Night sweats can have many causes, such as menopause, infections, medications, or cancer, but they are not typically associated with pneumonia.

Choice C reason: Bradycardia is not a usual manifestation of pneumonia in the older adult client. Bradycardia is a slow heart rate, defined as less than 60 beats per minute. Bradycardia can be normal in some people, such as athletes or those who are very fit, or it can be a sign of a problem with the heart's electrical system. Pneumonia does not cause bradycardia, but it can cause tachycardia, which is a fast heart rate, due to the increased oxygen demand and inflammation.

Choice D reason: Confusion is a frequent manifestation of pneumonia in the older adult client. Confusion is a state of impaired awareness, orientation, memory, or judgment. Confusion can occur in older adults with pneumonia due to several factors, such as hypoxia, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, fever, or infection. Confusion can also increase the risk of complications, such as aspiration, falls, or delirium. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the mental status of the older adult client with pneumonia and report any changes to the provider..

Choice A reason: Performing CPT immediately after the child eats is not a good action for the nurse to plan to take for a child who has cystic fibrosis and a prescription to receive CPT. CPT involves techniques such as percussion, vibration, and postural drainage that help to loosen and remove mucus from the lungs. Performing CPT right after eating can cause nausea, vomiting, or aspiration, especially if the child has gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is common in cystic fibrosis. The nurse should plan to perform CPT at least 1 hour before or after meals.

Choice B reason: Percussing each lung segment for 15 min is not a necessary action for the nurse to plan to take for a child who has cystic fibrosis and a prescription to receive CPT. Percussion is a technique that involves clapping the chest with a cupped hand to create vibrations that loosen the mucus in the airways. Percussion can be done manually or with a mechanical device. The duration of percussion depends on the amount and location of the mucus, but it is usually done for 3 to 5 min per lung segment. Percussing for 15 min per segment can be excessive and cause bruising, pain, or fatigue.

Choice C reason: Administering albuterol prior to CPT is a beneficial action for the nurse to plan to take for a child who has cystic fibrosis and a prescription to receive CPT. Albuterol is a bronchodilator that helps to relax the smooth muscles of the airways and improve airflow. Administering albuterol before CPT can enhance the effectiveness of the airway clearance techniques by opening up the airways and making it easier to cough up the mucus.

Choice D reason: Performing vibration during the client’s inspirations is not a correct action for the nurse to plan to take for a child who has cystic fibrosis and a prescription to receive CPT. Vibration is a technique that involves applying pressure and shaking the chest wall during exhalation to help move the mucus out of the lungs. Vibration can be done manually or with a mechanical device. Performing vibration during inspiration can interfere with the inhalation of air and oxygen, and reduce the effectiveness of the technique.