A nurse is collecting data from a client who has heart failure. The nurse notes the client has crackles in the bases of the lungs and a respiratory rate of 24/min. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Increase the client's intake of oral fluids.
Instruct the client to cough every 4 hr.
Encourage the client to ambulate to loosen secretions.
Maintain the client in high-Fowler's position.
The Correct Answer is D
The client's crackles in the bases of the lungs and an increased respiratory rate indicate the presence of fluid accumulation in the lungs, which is commonly seen in clients with heart failure. Maintaining the client in a high Fowler's position helps to promote optimal lung expansion and ventilation by reducing the pressure on the diaphragm, allowing for improved breathing mechanics and enhanced oxygenation.
Increasing the client's intake of oral fluids: While maintaining hydration is generally important, increasing oral fluids may not directly address the issue of fluid accumulation in the lungs. The priority in this situation is to optimize the client's respiratory function.
Instructing the client to cough every 4 hours: Coughing alone may not be sufficient to resolve the fluid accumulation. The underlying cause of the crackles and increased respiratory rate in heart failure is fluid congestion, which requires more comprehensive management.
Encouraging the client to ambulate to loosen secretions: While ambulation is generally beneficial for clients with heart failure, it may not directly address the fluid accumulation in the lungs. Ambulation can help improve overall cardiovascular function and fluid balance, but in the presence of acute respiratory distress or significant fluid overload, the client may not be able to tolerate or benefit from ambulation immediately.
In addition to maintaining the client in a high-Fowler's position, the nurse should also collaborate with the healthcare provider to initiate appropriate interventions, such as administering diuretic medications to help remove excess fluid and improve respiratory status. Monitoring the client's oxygen saturation, providing supplemental oxygen as needed, and assessing other vital signs are also important aspects of care in managing heart failure-related respiratory symptoms.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
"My baby will receive the rotavirus immunization orally." - This statement is correct. The rotavirus vaccine is administered orally, typically as drops or as an oral suspension. It is important for the guardian to follow the specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider for the administration of the rotavirus vaccine.
"I should not feed my baby anything for 2 hours prior to an immunization." - This statement is incorrect. It is not necessary to withhold feeding prior to immunizations. In fact, it is generally recommended to feed the baby before the immunization to help provide comfort during the procedure.
"My baby will receive three doses of the meningococcal immunization before kindergarten." - This statement is incorrect. The number of doses and the schedule for each immunization may vary. The guardian should consult with the healthcare provider or refer to the immunization schedule for specific recommendations regarding meningococcal immunization.
"I should expect my baby to have a high fever for 24 hours after an immunization." - This statement is not entirely accurate. While it is common for infants to experience mild side effects such as a low-grade fever after immunizations, a high fever is less common. The guardian should be aware of the potential side effects and contact the healthcare provider if they have concerns about their baby's reaction to the immunization.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The nurse should describe hyperactive bowel sounds as sounds that are loud, high-pitched and increased in frequency and intensity. They are more frequent than normal bowel sounds, with a rapid succession of sounds occurring at a rate greater than 5 to 30 sounds per minute.
Hyperactive bowel sounds can be heard in conditions such as gastroenteritis, diarrhea, and early mechanical bowel obstruction. They indicate increased bowel motility and are often associated with increased peristalsis.
To differentiate hyperactive bowel sounds from normal or hypoactive bowel sounds, the nurse can explain that hypoactive bowel sounds are decreased or absent sounds that occur when the bowel motility is decreased, such as in conditions like paralytic ileus or after abdominal surgery. Normal bowel sounds are typically soft, low-pitched, and occur at a rate of 5 to 30 sounds per minute.
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