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, shortness of breath, and a respiratory rate of 24/min.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Instruct the client to cough every 4 hr.
Encourage the client to ambulate to loosen secretions.
Increase the client's intake of oral fluids.
Maintain the client in high-Fowler's position.
The Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. Maintain the client in high-Flower’s position
Crackles in the bases of the lungs, shortness of breath, and an increased respiratory rate are signs of pulmonary congestion, which is commonly seen in heart failure. Maintaining the client in a high-Fowler's position, with the head of the bed elevated to a 45-60-degree angle, helps reduce venous return to the heart, decreases fluid accumulation in the lungs, and improves breathing comfort for the client.
The other options are not appropriate actions for the client's condition:
Instructing the client to cough every 4 hours in (option A) is not the priority action in this situation. Coughing may not effectively address the underlying cause of pulmonary congestion and may not provide immediate relief for the client.
Encouraging the client to ambulate to loosen secretions in (option B) is not the priority action in this situation. While ambulation can be beneficial for overall health, the client's symptoms of pulmonary congestion require immediate attention to improve respiratory status.
Increasing the client's intake of oral fluids in (option C) is not the priority action in this situation. While maintaining adequate hydration is important, excessive fluid intake can worsen the symptoms of heart failure and contribute to further fluid accumulation in the lungs.
Therefore, the nurse should maintain the client in high-Fowler's position (option D) to promote optimal lung function and improve breathing comfort. It is important to promptly notify the healthcare provider of the client's condition for further assessment and intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
After a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, steri-strips or adhesive strips are commonly placed over the small incisions. The client should keep the steri-strips in place until they fall off on their own or until they are removed by the healthcare provider during a follow-up visit. Removing the steri-strips prematurely can increase the risk of infection or disrupt the healing process.
"I should eat a high-fat diet for several weeks": After a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, it is important for the client to follow a low-fat diet initially to allow the body time to adjust to the absence of the gallbladder. High-fat foods can be more difficult to digest and may cause digestive discomfort. Gradually introducing small amounts of fat back into the diet is recommended, but a high-fat diet is not appropriate.
"I should expect to have diarrhea until my diet changes": While changes in bowel movements can occur after a cholecystectomy, such as looser stools or changes in frequency, persistent diarrhea is not expected or normal. If the client experiences persistent diarrhea, they should contact their healthcare provider for further evaluation.
"I should expect to have nausea for several days": While some clients may experience mild nausea or discomfort after the surgery, it should generally improve within a few days. If the client experiences persistent or severe nausea, they should contact their healthcare provider.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Explanation:
When a charge nurse observes the smell of alcohol on a nurse's breath, it raises concerns about their ability to provide safe and competent care to clients. Patient safety is of utmost importance, and the charge nurse must take immediate action to address the situation.
Removing the nurse from the client care area ensures that the nurse is not involved in direct patient care while their ability to provide safe care is in question. This step helps mitigate potential risks to patient safety.
B and D- After removing the nurse from the client care area, further actions can be taken, such as documenting the objective findings about the situation and informing the supervisor. However, the immediate priority is to ensure patient safety by removing the nurse from the care area.
A- Assigning clients to the remaining staff can be done once the situation has been addressed and a suitable replacement for the nurse has been arranged.
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