A nurse is caring for a client who must take a liquid cough syrup and several other oral tablets at the same time. What nursing action is most appropriate when administering both types of oral medications to this client?

A. Effusion refers to the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, not a substance that reduces surface tension in the alveoli.
B. Bicarbonate is an important component in the buffering system of the blood, but it does not reduce surface tension in the lungs.
C. Exudate is fluid that leaks out of blood vessels due to inflammation or injury, often seen in conditions like pneumonia or pleuritis, but it does not affect surface tension in the alveoli.
D. Surfactant is a lipid-protein mixture produced by type II alveolar cells in the lungs. It reduces surface tension in the alveoli, preventing the lungs from collapsing and making it easier to breathe.

A. Inability to breathe without dyspnea unless sitting upright refers to a postural issue that might be seen in certain respiratory conditions but does not describe Cheyne-Stokes respirations.
B. Shallow breathing alternating with periods of apnea is not characteristic of Cheyne-Stokes respirations. While apnea does occur, the breathing pattern is more varied in depth.
C. Cheyne-Stokes respirations are characterized by a periodic pattern where the depth of breathing alternates between very deep and very shallow breaths, followed by periods of apnea. This is often seen in end-of-life care and is associated with respiratory distress or certain neurological conditions.
D. Rapid respirations that are unusually deep and regular are more consistent with Kussmaul respirations, which are typically seen in conditions like metabolic acidosis, not Cheyne-Stokes.