After positioning the client upright, which action should the nurse take to assist with ineffective coughing?

Coach the client through using huff coughing.

Provide a nebulizer breathing treatment.

Attach humidification to oxygen delivery.

Obtain a pulse oximetry reading.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: Huff coughing is a technique that helps mobilize and clear secretions without causing airway collapse. It is especially effective for clients with weak cough reflexes or obstructive lung conditions. Coaching the client through this method promotes airway clearance and improves ventilation.

Choice B reason: Nebulizer treatments may be helpful if the client has bronchospasm or thick secretions, but they are not the first-line intervention after repositioning for ineffective cough. They require a provider’s order and are more appropriate when pharmacologic therapy is indicated.

Choice C reason: Humidification can help loosen secretions over time, but it is not an immediate action to improve coughing effectiveness. It supports long-term airway maintenance rather than acute clearance.

Choice D reason: Pulse oximetry assesses oxygenation but does not directly address the mechanical issue of ineffective coughing. It is useful for monitoring but not a therapeutic intervention in this context.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Education on narcotic dependency is important but not the priority when the client is experiencing severe pain. Immediate relief is the focus.
Choice B reason: Waiting until pain reaches a score of 10 before giving maximum dosage is inappropriate and may lead to unnecessary suffering. Pain should be managed proactively.
Choice C reason: Alternating IV and IM routes may be useful in some contexts but does not enhance analgesic efficacy or address multimodal pain pathways.
Choice D reason: Combining opioid and non-opioid medications targets different pain mechanisms, improves pain control, and may reduce opioid requirements. This is the most effective and evidence-based approach for managing severe cancer pain.

A. Apply the client's home oxygen. B. Ensure that the client avoids salt intake for the rest of the day. C. Check for a thrill and bruit at the client's dialysis access site. D. Take the client to the emergency department (ED).

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Applying home oxygen may support oxygenation but does not address the underlying cause of lethargy, which in CKD is often due to toxin buildup, fluid overload, or electrolyte imbalance.

Choice B reason: Avoiding salt intake is a long-term dietary strategy for managing fluid retention and hypertension in CKD, but it is not an immediate intervention for acute symptoms like altered mental status.

Choice C reason: Checking for a thrill and bruit assesses the patency of the dialysis access site, but it does not address the urgent need for medical evaluation and possible dialysis.

Choice D reason: Lethargy and difficulty arousing in a CKD patient who missed dialysis are red flags for uremia, hyperkalemia, or fluid overload. Immediate transport to the emergency department is critical to initiate life-saving interventions such as dialysis and electrolyte correction.

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After positioning the client upright, which action should the nurse take to assist with ineffective coughing?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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