A client asks the nurse about a prescription for the antihistamine, diphenhydramine (Benadryl). The nurse should teach the client that this medication is contraindicated in clients who have a history of which condition?

Choice A Reason:

Repeating auscultation after asking the client to take a deep breath and cough is the first intervention the nurse should take. This action helps to clear any secretions or mucus that might be causing the crackles. If the crackles persist after the client coughs, it indicates that the sounds are likely due to fluid in the lungs, which requires further assessment and intervention. This step ensures that the nurse accurately identifies the cause of the crackles before proceeding with other interventions.

Choice B Reason:

Instructing the client to limit fluid intake to less than 2,000 mL/day might be appropriate in cases of fluid overload or heart failure, but it is not the first intervention. The nurse needs to confirm the cause of the crackles before making any recommendations about fluid intake. Limiting fluid intake without proper assessment could lead to dehydration and other complications.

Choice C Reason:

Placing the client on bed rest in semi-Fowler’s position can help improve lung expansion and oxygenation by reducing pressure on the diaphragm. However, this is not the first intervention. The nurse should first determine if the crackles are due to secretions that can be cleared by coughing. Semi-Fowler’s position is beneficial for patients with respiratory distress, but it does not address the immediate need to reassess lung sounds.

Choice D Reason:

Preparing to administer antibiotics is not the first intervention. Antibiotics are used to treat infections, and the nurse needs to confirm whether the crackles are due to an infection or another cause before administering medication. Immediate administration of antibiotics without proper assessment could lead to inappropriate treatment and antibiotic resistance.

Choice A reason: Applying compression stockings is a key prophylactic intervention to prevent complications of immobility, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and venous thromboembolism (VTE). Compression stockings help improve blood circulation in the legs by applying graduated pressure, which reduces the risk of blood clots forming in the deep veins. This is particularly important for immobile patients who are at higher risk of developing DVT due to prolonged periods of inactivity.

Choice B reason: Raising all side rails is primarily a safety measure to prevent falls and does not directly address the complications of immobility. While it is important for patient safety, it does not have a significant impact on preventing issues like DVT, pressure ulcers, or muscle atrophy. Therefore, it is not considered a prophylactic intervention for immobility-related complications.

Choice C reason: Inserting a urinary catheter is not a prophylactic intervention for preventing complications of immobility. Catheters are used to manage urinary retention or incontinence but can increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) if not managed properly. They do not address the primary complications associated with immobility, such as DVT or pressure ulcers.

Choice D reason: Using friction-reducing devices is important for preventing pressure ulcers and skin injuries in immobile patients. These devices help minimize friction and shear forces on the skin, which can lead to pressure ulcers. While this is a valuable intervention, it is not as comprehensive as compression stockings in preventing a range of immobility-related complications.