A nurse is instructing a group of nursing students in measuring a client’s respiratory rate. Which of the following guidelines should the nurse include? (Select all that apply)
Place the client in semi-Fowler’s position
Have the client rest an arm across the abdomen
Observe one full respiratory cycle before counting the rate
count the rate for 30 sec if it is irregular
Count and report any sighs the client demonstrates
Correct Answer : C,E
A. Place the client in semi-Fowler’s position:
While the semi-Fowler's position can be helpful in assessing respiratory function, it is not specifically required for measuring the respiratory rate. The key is to ensure the client is comfortable and able to breathe easily.
B. Have the client rest an arm across the abdomen:
Placing the arm across the abdomen is not a standard practice for measuring respiratory rate. The key is to allow the client to breathe naturally, and this position is not necessary for accurate measurement.
C. Observe one full respiratory cycle before counting the rate:
This ensures that the count is accurate and reflective of the client's typical breathing pattern.
D. Count the rate for 30 seconds if it is irregular:
When measuring the respiratory rate, it is generally recommended to count for a full minute to obtain an accurate representation of the client's breathing pattern. Counting for 30 seconds may underestimate or overestimate the rate, especially if the irregularity is not consistent.
E. Count and report any sighs the client demonstrates:
Sighs can be indicative of emotional or physiological stress, and noting them is important for a comprehensive respiratory assessment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Check temperature and SPO2
When the nurse finds an adult patient's pulse rate to be 140 beats per minute, it is important to assess other vital signs, particularly temperature and oxygen saturation (SPO2). This helps gather additional information to understand the overall clinical picture and assess for potential underlying causes of the elevated heart rate.
B. Report the rate to the primary care provider:
Reporting the heart rate to the primary care provider may be necessary, but it should not be the immediate action. Assessing other vital signs first provides a more comprehensive understanding.
C. Check the pulse again in 2 hours:
Waiting for 2 hours to recheck the pulse is not appropriate when the heart rate is significantly elevated. Immediate action and further assessment are needed.
D. Record the information:
Recording the elevated heart rate is part of documentation, but it should be accompanied by a more comprehensive assessment of vital signs and potential contributing factors.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Performs auscultation between meals:
Auscultating bowel sounds between meals is suitable as it allows for better detection of bowel sounds when digestion is not actively occurring.
B. Clamps the Naso Gastric tube during auscultation
Clamping the Naso Gastric (NG) tube during auscultation is appropriate. The NG tube when unclamped allows the free passage of air and fluid through the gastrointestinal tract. This could interfere with the natural sounds produced by the movement of air and fluid in the intestines, potentially leading to inaccurate assessment of bowel sounds.
C. Palpates the abdomen prior to performing auscultation:
Palpating the abdomen before auscultation may interfere with normal bowel sounds
D. Auscultates bowel sounds for 3 to 5 min:
Auscultating bowel sounds for a sufficient duration (3 to 5 minutes) is appropriate to comprehensively assess the presence, frequency, and character of bowel sounds.
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