What assessment is best for distinguishing between hypoxemia and hypercapnia?

A. While status asthmaticus is a severe, life-threatening asthma exacerbation, the first step is to stabilize the patient by improving oxygenation and relieving airway obstruction, not immediately calling 911 unless the situation worsens.

B. Intubation is not the first step unless the patient's respiratory status continues to deteriorate despite initial interventions. The focus should be on improving oxygenation and managing the airway.

C. Establishing IV access and administering emergency medications, such as corticosteroids or bronchodilators, may be necessary, but the first priority is to improve the patient's breathing and oxygenation.

D. Placing the patient in a high Fowler's position helps to open the airways and facilitate breathing. Starting oxygen therapy is essential to support oxygenation in a patient with labored breathing. This should be the first intervention.

A. While sterile drapes are important for maintaining a sterile field during the procedure, they do not directly address the issue of privacy.

B. Pulling the curtains around the client's bed is the most appropriate action to ensure privacy during the procedure. It creates a physical barrier to maintain confidentiality and dignity for the client while they undergo the lumbar puncture.

C. Closing the door to the client's room can also help maintain privacy but may not be as effective in a shared space like a hospital ward. Curtains are a more immediate and effective means of providing privacy.

D. Asking family members to leave the room may be necessary for the procedure but does not directly relate to privacy during the procedure. The focus should be on ensuring the environment is private by pulling curtains and closing doors.