The nurse is caring for a client who just had a subclavian central venous catheter inserted. Which symptom should the nurse recognize as setting a priority for this client's care?

C. Assisting the client in slowed breathing techniques is the most appropriate initial intervention for a client experiencing hyperventilation due to acute psychological stress. Slowed breathing techniques, such as pursed-lip breathing or diaphragmatic breathing, can help normalize respiratory rate and depth, thereby correcting the respiratory alkalosis. Encouraging the client to breathe slowly and deeply can help reduce the respiratory rate and restore a more balanced acid-base status.
A. Administering a sedative may not be the initial intervention for a client experiencing hyperventilation due to acute psychological stress. Sedatives can depress the respiratory drive further and may exacerbate respiratory alkalosis. Additionally, administering sedatives should be based on a comprehensive assessment and medical prescription, rather than as a first-line intervention for hyperventilation.
B. While hyperventilation can sometimes lead to symptoms resembling seizure activity (such as muscle twitching or numbness), assessing for seizure activity is not typically the initial intervention for respiratory alkalosis. In the context of acute psychological stress causing hyperventilation, addressing the hyperventilation itself is the priority.
D. While monitoring vital signs, including blood pressure, is important in assessing the client's overall condition, it is not the initial intervention specifically for addressing respiratory alkalosis due to hyperventilation. The priority in this situation is to address the hyperventilation itself through appropriate breathing techniques.

A. Enteral nutrition can be used when a client is unable to consume adequate nutrition orally or when oral intake is contraindicated. It can be used as a supplement to oral intake or as the sole source of nutrition, depending on the client's condition and nutritional needs.
C. Enteral nutrition can be administered either intermittently, where feedings are given at specific times throughout the day, or continuously, where a steady infusion is delivered over an extended period, typically 16 to 24 hours. The method of administration depends on the client's tolerance, nutritional needs, and clinical condition.
B. Enteral nutrition typically consists of liquid formulas specifically designed to provide complete and balanced nutrition. These formulas come in various formulations, including standard polymeric formulas, high-protein formulas, elemental formulas, and disease-specific formulas. They are not thinned pureed food, which is typically used for clients with dysphagia or swallowing difficulties who are receiving oral feeding.
D. While some enteral nutrition formulas may contain dairy-based ingredients, such as milk protein or lactose, not all enteral formulas are milk-based. There are various types of enteral formulas available, including those that are lactose-free, soy-based, or elemental (containing predigested nutrients), to accommodate different dietary preferences and tolerances.
E. Enteral nutrition is administered directly into the gastrointestinal tract, typically through a feeding tube that is inserted into the stomach or small intestine. It is not given intravenously (through a vein), which would be parenteral nutrition.