A nurse on a telemetry unit is assisting with the plan of care for a client who has pulmonary edema. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Place the client in a supine position.
Weigh the client every other day.
Encourage the client to ambulate three times per day.
Report urine output less than 30 mL/hr.
The Correct Answer is D
A) Place the client in a supine position:
Placing a client with pulmonary edema in a supine position can exacerbate symptoms by increasing venous return and worsening fluid accumulation in the lungs. Instead, positioning the client upright or in a semi-Fowler's position is more appropriate to facilitate respiratory mechanics and decrease venous return.
B) Weigh the client every other day:
Daily weight monitoring is crucial for clients with pulmonary edema to assess fluid balance accurately. Weighing the client every other day may not provide timely information on fluid retention and response to treatment. Therefore, daily weight measurement is typically recommended.
C) Encourage the client to ambulate three times per day:
While mobility is essential for overall health, clients with pulmonary edema may experience dyspnea and fatigue, limiting their ability to ambulate. Ambulation should be encouraged but should be tailored to the client's tolerance level and may need to be adjusted based on their respiratory status.
D) Report urine output less than 30 mL/hr:
Monitoring urine output is vital in clients with pulmonary edema to assess kidney perfusion and fluid balance. A urine output of less than 30 mL/hr may indicate decreased renal perfusion and impaired fluid clearance, which can exacerbate pulmonary congestion. Therefore, it is crucial to report such findings promptly for further evaluation and intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Answer: C. A newborn receives erythromycin ophthalmic ointment 4 hr after birth.
Rationale:
A. A newborn has an Apgar score of 7 at 5 min after birth:
An Apgar score of 7 is within the acceptable range and does not indicate an adverse event or require an incident report. This score reflects a newborn transitioning well to extrauterine life with only mild adjustments needed.
B. A newborn has respiratory distress and requires oxygen:
While respiratory distress requires prompt intervention, it can be an expected complication in some neonates. Administering oxygen in this context is an appropriate clinical response, not a reportable incident.
C. A newborn receives erythromycin ophthalmic ointment 4 hr after birth:
Erythromycin should be administered within 1 to 2 hours after birth to prevent ophthalmia neonatorum. A 4-hour delay exceeds this timeframe and poses a potential risk to the infant’s health, qualifying as a deviation from standard protocol that warrants an incident report.
D. A newborn receives a heel stick on the outer aspect of the heel:
Performing a heel stick on the outer aspect of the heel is the correct location to avoid nerve and bone injury. This is a safe and standard practice and does not require an incident report.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Initiate oxygen therapy via nasal cannula for a client who has COPD:
Clients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often have impaired gas exchange and may experience acute exacerbations requiring oxygen therapy to improve oxygenation and alleviate respiratory distress. Oxygen therapy is a critical intervention to address hypoxemia and prevent complications such as respiratory failure. Therefore, initiating oxygen therapy for a client with COPD is the highest priority among the options provided.
B) Initiate a 24-hr urine collection for a client who has end-stage kidney disease:
Initiating a 24-hour urine collection is an important nursing task for clients with end-stage kidney disease to monitor renal function and assess urine output. However, compared to the immediate need for oxygen therapy in a client with COPD, starting a urine collection is a lower priority and can be scheduled once the client's respiratory needs are addressed.
C) Administer an antibiotic for a client who has methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus:
Administering antibiotics for a client with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection is important to control the spread of infection and prevent complications. However, unless the client's condition is critically unstable or the antibiotic administration is time-sensitive, addressing oxygenation needs for a client with COPD takes precedence due to the potential for respiratory compromise and hypoxemia.
D) Change the dressing for a client who has a decubitus ulcer:
Changing dressings for clients with decubitus ulcers is essential for wound care management and prevention of infection. While maintaining skin integrity is important, addressing respiratory distress in a client with COPD is a higher priority to ensure adequate oxygenation and prevent respiratory compromise.
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