A nurse is caring for a client who is having difficulty breathing. The client is lying in bed and is already receiving oxygen therapy via nasal cannula. Which of the following interventions is the nurse's priority?
Assist the client to Fowler's position
Promote removal of pulmonary secretions
Increase the oxygen flow
Obtain a specimen for arterial blood gases
The Correct Answer is A
A. Assist the client to Fowler's position: This position helps maximize lung expansion, making it easier for the client to breathe.
B. Promote removal of pulmonary secretions: Important but secondary to addressing immediate respiratory distress.
C. Increase the oxygen flow: This should only be done per provider order to avoid complications such as oxygen toxicity.
D. Obtain a specimen for arterial blood gases: This is a diagnostic step but not an immediate intervention for difficulty breathing.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Assist the guest to the floor and begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation: The airway is still obstructed, and rescue breathing is not effective until the obstruction is cleared.
B. Slap the guest on the back several times: Back slaps are not recommended for adults with complete airway obstruction as they may worsen the blockage.
C. Perform the Heimlich maneuver on the guest: Grasping the throat and inability to talk indicate a complete airway obstruction, requiring immediate abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) to clear the airway.
D. Observe the guest before taking further action: Delaying intervention in the presence of complete obstruction can lead to respiratory arrest. Immediate action is required.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) "Repeat your breathing exercise every 2 hrs." Repeating breathing exercises should be done a couple of times every hour to help prevent postoperative complications such as atelectasis and pneumonia.
B) "Inhale through your mouth." Clients should inhale through their nose to filter, warm, and humidify the air.
C) "Hold your breath for 5 seconds." Holding the breath for 5 seconds allows for better lung expansion and optimal oxygen exchange.
D) "Exhale through your nose." Clients are generally advised to exhale through pursed lips to create positive airway pressure and prevent airway collapse.
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