Exhibits here

The nurse places the client on a cardiorespiratory monitor and places the nasal cannula on the client. The nurse then completes an assessment and documents it in the chart.

For each body system, click to specify the assessment findings that indicates hypoxia.

A. Currently prescribed medications are important information, but in this emergent situation, the nurse should first report on the client's condition and immediate concerns.

B. Falling from a ladder as the reason for admission is relevant information, but it does not address the immediate clinical concern of the client's altered mental status.

C. Reporting the increasing confusion of the client is the priority as it highlights the acute change in neurological status, which may indicate a more critical issue such as intracranial injury or neurological impairment.

D. The client's healthcare power of attorney is important for long-term care planning, but it is not the immediate concern when the client presents with altered mental status and potential head
trauma.

A. Acetaminophen 350 mg PO every 6 hours for temperature greater than 101°F (38.3°C): While controlling fever is important, it is not as urgent as ensuring adequate oxygenation and
monitoring of vital signs. Fever can be managed once the client's respiratory status is stabilized.

B. Place the client on a cardiorespiratory monitor

The correct answer is B. Placing the client on a cardiorespiratory monitor is crucial to continuously monitor vital signs, including heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and cardiac rhythm. Given the client's reported difficulty breathing, this order takes priority to assess the severity of respiratory distress and ensure timely intervention if needed.

C. Start oxygen 3 L/minute via nasal cannula

The correct answer is C. Initiating oxygen therapy is essential for improving oxygenation and respiratory function, especially in a patient with reported difficulty breathing. Administering oxygen can help alleviate hypoxemia and reduce the workload on the respiratory system. This intervention takes precedence in addressing the client's acute respiratory symptoms.
D. Chest x-ray: A chest x-ray is important for further evaluation of the client's respiratory status, but it is not as immediate as placing the client on a cardiorespiratory monitor and initiating oxygen therapy.
E. Run 0.9% sodium chloride IV infusion at 150 mL/hour: Initiating IV fluids is important, but it is not as urgent as addressing the client's respiratory distress and oxygenation needs.
F. Start a peripheral IV: Starting a peripheral IV is necessary for administering medications and fluids, but it can be done after placing the client on a monitor and starting oxygen therapy.

G. Sputum culture: While obtaining a sputum culture is important for identifying the causative organism of the respiratory infection, it is not as urgent as addressing the client's immediate respiratory distress.
H. NPO: NPO status may be necessary for certain diagnostic tests or procedures, but it does not take priority over addressing the client's respiratory distress and oxygenation needs.