The nurse observes that a client with ascites is dyspneic. Which action should the nurse implement first?

Measure the vital signs.

Assist to a high Fowler's position.

Initiate deep breathing exercises.

Auscultate breath sounds.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Rationale

A. Measuring vital signs, including respiratory rate, heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation, is important to assess the client's overall status and to determine the severity of the dyspnea. Vital signs provide essential information to guide further interventions. While important, this action may not directly alleviate the client's immediate distress from dyspnea.

B. Placing the client in a high Fowler's position (sitting upright with the head of the bed elevated to 90 degrees) helps to maximize chest expansion and improve lung ventilation. This position can relieve dyspnea by reducing pressure on the diaphragm and improving lung compliance. It is a simple and effective intervention for clients experiencing respiratory distress.

C. While deep breathing exercises are beneficial for promoting lung expansion and improving respiratory function, they may not be appropriate as the first action when the client is already dyspneic. The priority

should be to position the client to alleviate immediate breathing difficulty before initiating exercises that require active participation.

D. Auscultating breath sounds is important for assessing lung function and detecting any abnormalities such as adventitious sounds (e.g., crackles, wheezes). However, this action is secondary to placing the client in a high Fowler's position to relieve dyspnea. Auscultation can be performed after the client's breathing has stabilized.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Rationale

A. A living will often includes directives regarding life-sustaining treatments, including intubation. If the living will explicitly states a preference against intubation, the nurse should ensure this information is known to the healthcare team. However, a living will does not automatically imply a DNR status unless specifically stated.

B. When a living will is presented, and decisions need to be made regarding life-sustaining treatments like intubation, it is appropriate to facilitate a family meeting. In this meeting, the healthcare team, including palliative care specialists if available, can discuss the client's wishes as outlined in the living will. The goal is to ensure everyone understands the client's preferences and to make informed decisions about the course of treatment.

C. The nurse should notify the attending healthcare provider about the existence of the client's living will and its directives regarding medical interventions such as intubation. The healthcare provider needs to be aware of the client's wishes to guide the decision-making process and ensure appropriate care is provided according to the client's preferences.

D. It is crucial to ensure that the living will, once verified and certified as authentic, is placed in the client's medical record. This document serves as a legal and ethical guide for healthcare decisions, especially during critical situations like an exacerbation requiring intubation.

A. Neutrophil count. B. Hematocrit. C. Platelet count. D. Serum sodium level.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Rationale

A. An elevated neutrophil count suggests an active immune response to infection, supporting the clinical findings of purulent drainage. This information is crucial for the healthcare provider to assess the severity of the infection and guide treatment.

B. Hematocrit changes are more related to blood volume, fluid shifts, or bleeding rather than infection. While it may be monitored postoperatively, it does not provide specific information about infection.

C. Platelet count is important for assessing clotting function but does not directly indicate infection or purulent drainage.

D. Serum sodium levels are part of electrolyte balance and hydration status monitoring but do not directly relate to the presence of infection.

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The nurse observes that a client with ascites is dyspneic. Which action should the nurse implement first?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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