A nurse is collecting data from a client who has right-sided heart failure. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

a. Begin oxygen therapy: Oxygen therapy is the priority intervention for a client with a pulmonary embolism to improve oxygenation and prevent hypoxemia.

b. Start an IV infusion of lactated Ringer’s: While fluid resuscitation may be needed, oxygen therapy takes precedence to address the immediate respiratory compromise.

c. Initiate cardiac monitoring: Cardiac monitoring is important, but addressing oxygenation is the priority in a client with a pulmonary embolism.

d. Administer IV morphine: Pain management may be necessary, but the priority is to address the respiratory distress and potential hypoxemia associated with a pulmonary embolism.

Rationale for A: Taking enteric-coated pills with meals is generally acceptable as food does not affect the integrity of the enteric coating. The coating is designed to withstand the acidic environment of the stomach and dissolve in the more neutral pH of the intestine.
Rationale for B: Enteric-coated tablets should not be crushed as this destroys the coating designed to protect the stomach lining from the medication's potentially irritating effects, ensuring the medication is released in the intestine.
Rationale for C: This statement is correct; enteric-coated medications are formulated to bypass the stomach and dissolve in the intestine, which can help minimize gastric side effects and irritation.
Rationale for D: It is common for anti-inflammatory medications like naproxen to take several weeks to reach full efficacy. This statement reflects a correct understanding of the medication's expected onset of action.