After traveling to a country with a tropical climate, a young adult is diagnosed with a liver abscess and is taking antimicrobial therapy as an outpatient.
During a follow-up visit at the community clinic, the nurse observes that the patient has developed jaundice.
Which action should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale

While auscultating breath sounds is an important part of assessing a client’s respiratory status, it is not the first action the nurse should take when a client with ascites is dyspneic. The nurse should first address the client’s positioning to help alleviate the dyspnea.

Choice B rationale

While measuring vital signs is an important part of assessing a client’s overall status, it is not the first action the nurse should take when a client with ascites is dyspneic. The nurse should first address the client’s positioning to help alleviate the dyspnea.

Choice C rationale

Assisting the client to a high Fowler’s position can help alleviate dyspnea by allowing for greater lung expansion. This should be the nurse’s first action when a client with ascites is dyspneic.

Choice D rationale

While deep breathing exercises can help improve lung function and may be beneficial for a client with ascites, they are not the first action the nurse should take when the client is dyspneic. The nurse should first address the client’s positioning to help alleviate the dyspnea.

The correct answer is Choice D.

Choice D rationale: Keeping the nails trimmed short is crucial for a child with eczema because it minimizes the damage done when the child scratches their skin. Short nails reduce the risk of breaking the skin and causing infections or further irritation, which can exacerbate eczema symptoms. This preventive measure helps maintain the skin's integrity and reduces the risk of secondary infections.

Choice A rationale: Allowing the child to wear only 100% cotton clothing can help reduce skin irritation as cotton is a soft, breathable fabric. However, it is not as directly related to preventing the harm caused by scratching.

Choice B rationale: Applying baby lotion to the skin can help keep the skin moisturized, but it might not be sufficient for eczema management. A more intensive emollient or specific eczema treatment may be needed.

Choice C rationale: Bathing the child daily with bath oil can help moisturize the skin, but over-bathing can sometimes exacerbate eczema. It's important to use gentle, non-irritating bath products and to follow other guidelines, such as trimming nails.