The nurse is reviewing the history of a client admitted with newly diagnosed chronic bronchitis. Which question by the nurse confirms this diagnosis?

Maintaining adequate oxygenation is the primary goal for a client with impaired gas exchange due to an asthma exacerbation. Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive method to monitor the oxygen saturation of a patient’s blood, and values above 94% indicate sufficient oxygenation.

Choice A reason:

The client will demonstrate decreased episodes of coughing at night is important but not the priority goal. While reducing coughing can improve comfort and sleep quality, it does not directly address the critical issue of impaired gas exchange. The primary concern in an asthma exacerbation is ensuring that the client maintains adequate oxygen levels.

Choice B reason:

The client’s pulse oximetry values will remain above 94% on room air for the majority of the time is the priority goal. This goal directly addresses the issue of impaired gas exchange by ensuring that the client maintains adequate oxygenation. Pulse oximetry values above 94% indicate that the client’s blood is sufficiently oxygenated, which is crucial for preventing hypoxemia and ensuring that the body’s tissues receive enough oxygen to function properly.

Choice C reason:

The client’s breath sounds will only have slight wheezing by discharge is a relevant goal but not the priority. While reducing wheezing is an indicator of improved airway function, it is not as directly measurable or critical as maintaining adequate oxygen saturation. Wheezing can persist even when oxygen levels are adequate, so it is not the most reliable indicator of improved gas exchange.

Choice D reason:

The client will correctly demonstrate the use of a peak flow meter is an important educational goal but not the priority in an acute setting. Proper use of a peak flow meter can help the client monitor their asthma and prevent future exacerbations, but it does not directly address the immediate issue of impaired gas exchange. The priority in an acute asthma exacerbation is to ensure that the client is adequately oxygenated.

Choice A Reason:

Increasing the client’s intake of Vitamin C can help with wound healing due to its role in collagen formation. However, this is not an immediate action to prevent wound dehiscence. While important for overall recovery, it does not directly address the mechanical stress on the incision site that can lead to dehiscence.

Choice B Reason:

Teaching the client to splint the incision when coughing is the most effective immediate action to prevent wound dehiscence. Splinting provides support to the incision site, reducing the risk of the wound opening due to the pressure exerted during coughing or other activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure. This method directly addresses the mechanical stress that can cause dehiscence.

Choice C Reason:

Having the client do abdominal exercises is not appropriate in the immediate postoperative period as it can increase the risk of wound dehiscence. Abdominal exercises can put additional strain on the incision site, potentially leading to separation of the wound edges.

Choice D Reason:

Performing passive range of motion exercises is beneficial for preventing complications such as joint stiffness and muscle atrophy. However, it does not specifically address the prevention of wound dehiscence. These exercises do not provide the necessary support to the incision site to prevent it from opening.