A nurse on a telemetry unit is caring for a client who has a history of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). The client reports feeling lightheaded and feeling heart beats in their chest. In a client having PVCs, which of the following findings would the nurse expect when auscultating the client's apical pulse?

Client calm not agitated. Grimaces with movement.
No change: While the client is calm and not agitated, grimacing with movement indicates continued discomfort or pain, which remains unchanged.
Oral mucous membranes dry.

No change: Dry oral mucous membranes persist, suggesting ongoing dehydration or inadequate oral hydration.
Axillary temp 102 F (38.9 C), client shivering.

Declined: The axillary temperature has increased from 100.8 F (38.22 C) to 102 F (38.9 C), indicating a worsening of the client's fever. Shivering suggests the body's attempt to generate heat in response to the fever.
Productive cough.

No change: The client continues to have a productive cough, indicating ongoing respiratory congestion or infection.
Coarse rhonchi bilaterally. Crackles in bases.

Declined: The presence of coarse rhonchi bilaterally and crackles in the bases suggests worsening respiratory status, possibly indicating progression of underlying lung disease or development of complications such as pneumonia.
Respirations irregular with periods of apnea.

Improved: The client's respirations, previously irregular with periods of apnea, are now regular, indicating an improvement in respiratory function.
Client resting in recliner. RR 12, regular.

Improved: The client's respiratory rate has decreased from 18 to 12 breaths per minute, and respirations are now regular, suggesting improved respiratory status and possibly reduced distress.

A. Document how many inches the tube has been inserted: While documentation of the tube insertion depth is important, it is not the highest priority immediately after intubation. Ensuring proper placement and ventilation take precedence.

B. Auscultate both lungs for the presence of breath sounds: This is the priority action to confirm that the endotracheal tube is correctly placed in the trachea and that both lungs are being ventilated adequately. Absence of breath sounds on one side could indicate mainstem intubation or displacement of the tube.

C. Secure the endotracheal tube to prevent dislodgement: Securing the tube is important, but it should be done after confirming proper placement and ventilation.

D. Obtain a chest x-ray to ensure correct tube placement: While a chest x-ray is often performed after intubation to confirm tube placement, it is not the immediate priority. Auscultation provides more immediate feedback on the effectiveness of ventilation.