A nurse is caring for a client who has pneumonia. The client's oxygen saturation is 88%. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Initiate humidification therapy.

Encourage the client to cough and deep breathe.

Increase the client's oral fluid intake.

Raise the head of the bed.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason: Initiating humidification therapy can be beneficial for a client with pneumonia. Humidified air can help loosen respiratory secretions, making them easier to expectorate. However, while this intervention is helpful, it is not typically the first action a nurse should take. The priority is to address the client's immediate need for adequate oxygenation and ventilation.

Choice B reason: Encouraging the client to cough and perform deep breathing exercises is an essential part of care for patients with pneumonia. These actions help to clear mucus from the lungs and improve ventilation. Deep breathing helps to fully expand the alveoli, which can be compromised in pneumonia, and coughing helps to expel secretions that may be blocking the airways. However, this is not the most immediate action when the oxygen saturation is borderline normal.

Choice C reason: Increasing the client's oral fluid intake is important in the management of pneumonia. Adequate hydration thins respiratory secretions, making them easier to clear. It also supports overall bodily functions, which can be taxed during illness. Nonetheless, this intervention is not the most critical initial step in managing a client's immediate respiratory needs.

Choice D reason: Raising the head of the bed is the correct and immediate action to take for a client with pneumonia and an oxygen saturation of 88%. This position helps to improve chest expansion, promotes better lung aeration, and facilitates easier breathing. It also reduces the risk of aspiration, which is particularly important in clients with pneumonia. Elevating the head of the bed is a simple yet effective way to enhance oxygenation and should be the first step taken.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: The diaphragm of the stethoscope is used for high-pitched sounds such as breath sounds, bowel, and normal heart sounds. For the apical pulse, which involves listening to the heart's sounds, the bell of the stethoscope is often recommended, especially for lower-pitched sounds like murmurs.

Choice B reason: Counting the apical pulsations for a full minute is the correct action when assessing the apical pulse, particularly for clients on cardiovascular medications. This ensures accuracy in detecting any irregularities or changes in the heart rate that could be affected by the medications.

Choice C reason: The stethoscope should be placed gently against the client's skin. Pressing too firmly can distort the heart sounds, making it difficult to accurately assess the apical pulse.

Choice D reason: A Doppler device is not typically used for routine assessment of the apical pulse. It is more commonly used when pulses are difficult to palpate or auscultate, such as in cases of peripheral arterial disease.

A. Pulse 82/min, client sitting in a chair B. Temperature 36.9°C (98.4°F) C. Respirations auscultated, even at 22/min, client supine D. Blood pressure 108/68 mm Hg

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Documenting the pulse as "82/min, client sitting in a chair" is correct and shows an understanding of the teaching. The pulse rate is within the normal range for a resting adult, which is typically between 60 to 100 beats per minute. Additionally, noting the client's position is important as body position can affect pulse rate; sitting can slightly increase the pulse compared to lying down.

Choice B reason: The temperature of "36.9°C (98.4°F)" is within the normal range for body temperature, which is typically between 36.5°C to 37.5°C (97.7°F to 99.5°F). Documenting the temperature in both Celsius and Fahrenheit is a good practice, as it provides clarity and prevents confusion in clinical settings where different systems may be used.

Choice C reason: The documentation of respirations as "auscultated, even at 22/min, client supine" is appropriate. The normal respiratory rate for a healthy adult at rest is between 12 to 20 breaths per minute. Noting that the respirations are even and the client's position is supine is important, as different positions can affect breathing patterns and rates.

Choice D reason: A blood pressure reading of "108/68 mm Hg" falls within the normal range, which is generally considered to be between 90/60 mm Hg and 120/80 mm Hg for adults. Proper documentation of blood pressure includes both systolic and diastolic values, as seen here, which is essential for accurate monitoring and treatment decisions.

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A nurse is caring for a client who has pneumonia. The client's oxygen saturation is 88%. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

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