A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is being discharged home with a new prescription for an inhaled bronchodilator.
Which instruction should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?

Choice A rationale

Measuring blood pressure manually is important in assessing the patient's hemodynamic status, but it is not the priority intervention in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The priority is to address dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

Choice B rationale

Administering intravenous fluids is the priority intervention for a client with DKA. Rapid, deep respirations (Kussmaul breathing) indicate severe metabolic acidosis and dehydration. IV fluids help to correct fluid deficit, improve perfusion, and decrease blood glucose levels.

Choice C rationale

Oxygen therapy may be beneficial if the client is hypoxic, but it is not the priority intervention for DKA. The primary issue is fluid deficit and metabolic acidosis.

Choice D rationale

Administering subcutaneous insulin is essential for managing hyperglycemia in DKA, but it should be done after initiating IV fluids to avoid rapid shifts in electrolyte balance.

Choice A rationale

Administering post-procedure antibiotics is not typically required for a bronchoscopy unless there is evidence of infection. The procedure itself does not inherently pose a high risk of infection requiring antibiotics as a preventative measure.

Choice B rationale

Providing pre-procedure sedation is important to ensure the client is comfortable and relaxed during the bronchoscopy. This helps minimize discomfort and anxiety associated with the procedure.

Choice C rationale

Ensuring the client is NPO (nothing by mouth) for a specific period before the procedure is crucial to prevent aspiration. Aspiration can occur if the client has food or liquid in their stomach, posing a serious risk during the insertion of the bronchoscope.

Choice D rationale

Encouraging the client to drink plenty of fluids before the procedure is not appropriate because the client needs to be NPO to prevent aspiration risks during the bronchoscopy.