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 D
Explanation
A. Perform tracheostomy care for the client every 4 hr: Tracheostomy care is performed based on the assessment of the need for cleaning and secretion management rather than a fixed time schedule.
B. Place the client in a lateral recumbent position prior to tracheostomy care: This position does not facilitate optimal visualization of the tracheostomy site. The Fowler's or semi-Fowler's position is preferred.
C. Clean the tracheostomy stoma with a chlorhexidine solution: Chlorhexidine is too harsh for mucosal surfaces and can cause irritation. Normal saline is recommended for cleaning.
D. Preoxygenate the client for 10 seconds prior to tracheostomy care: Preoxygenation for at least 30 to 60 seconds is recommended to prevent hypoxia during suctioning.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Toe. Thickened toenails and edema make this site unreliable for accurate readings.
B) Skin fold. Skin folds are not recommended for pulse oximetry measurements due to poor contact and inconsistent readings.
C) Earlobe. The earlobe is a preferred site in cases of peripheral edema or thickened nails because it has good perfusion and provides reliable readings.
D) Finger. Edema in the hands compromises the accuracy of finger pulse oximetry measurements.
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