What conditions are most likely to respond to treatment with antihistamines? Select all that apply.

The nurse should:

1. Raise the head of the bed to aid in breathing.
2. Change to a face mask for oxygen delivery to address hypoxia.

The nurse should monitor:

1. Lung sounds to assess the progression of pneumonia.
2. Oxygen saturation to ensure the patient is receiving adequate oxygen.

Choice A reason: Increasing IV fluids is important in the care of pneumonia patients to prevent dehydration, especially if the patient has fever and increased respiratory rate which can lead to fluid loss. However, in this case, the patient’s blood pressure is stable, and there is no indication of dehydration, so this would not be the immediate action.

Choice B reason: Raising the head of the bed can help improve the patient’s breathing by reducing pressure on the chest and aiding in lung expansion. This is a standard care practice for patients with respiratory difficulties and is particularly beneficial for those with pneumonia to facilitate easier breathing.

Choice C reason: Bronchodilator nebulization can help open airways and improve breathing in patients with respiratory conditions. While it may be used in the treatment of pneumonia, it is not the primary intervention for hypoxia.

Choice D reason: Changing to a face mask for oxygen delivery is a critical intervention for a patient experiencing hypoxia. The patient’s oxygen saturation is 88% on 2 L/minute via nasal cannula, which is below the normal range of 95-100%3. A face mask can deliver higher concentrations of oxygen, which is necessary to address the patient’s hypoxia.

Choice E reason: Calling a rapid response team is necessary if the patient’s condition is deteriorating rapidly and requires immediate medical intervention. In this scenario, while the patient is hypoxic, there is no indication of acute decompensation that would necessitate a rapid response team at this moment.

Choice F reason: Pneumothorax, or collapsed lung, would present with sudden chest pain and shortness of breath. The patient’s history and symptoms are more consistent with pneumonia rather than pneumothorax.

Choice G reason: Hypoventilation refers to decreased breathing efficiency, leading to increased levels of carbon dioxide in the blood. While the patient does have difficulty breathing, the primary issue seems to be the impaired oxygen exchange due to pneumonia, rather than hypoventilation.

Choice H reason: Atelectasis is the collapse of part of the lung, which can occur after surgery or with bedridden patients. This patient’s symptoms are more indicative of an infectious process rather than atelectasis.

Choice I reason: Hypoxia is a condition where the body or a region of the body is deprived of adequate oxygen supply. Given the patient’s low oxygen saturation level and bilateral lower lobe pneumonia, hypoxia is the most likely condition the patient is experiencing.

Choice J reason: Monitoring lung sounds is essential for assessing the effectiveness of treatment and progression of pneumonia. Diminished lung sounds can indicate poor air movement due to the infection.

Choice K reason: Changes in the level of consciousness can indicate worsening hypoxia and should be monitored closely. A decrease in consciousness can be a sign of inadequate brain oxygenation.

Choice L reason: Oxygen saturation is a direct measure of the patient’s respiratory status and should be monitored to assess the effectiveness of oxygen therapy and overall progression.

Choice M reason: While heart rhythm should be monitored in all patients, it is not the most specific parameter for assessing the progression of pneumonia or hypoxia.

Choice N reason: Temperature should be monitored to assess for fever, which can indicate infection or inflammation. However, it is not as directly related to respiratory function as oxygen saturation and lung sounds are in the context of pneumonia.

Choice A: Advise the UAP to resume positioning the client on schedule.

Reason: Turning the client from side to side is a critical nursing intervention to prevent complications such as pressure ulcers, pneumonia, and other issues related to immobility. Even though the client has a “Do Not Resuscitate” (DNR) order, it does not mean that comfort and preventive care measures should be stopped. The nurse should advise the UAP to continue with the scheduled positioning to ensure the client’s comfort and prevent further complications.

Choice B: Encourage the UAP to provide comfort care measures only.

Reason: While providing comfort care is essential, it does not mean that other necessary interventions, such as turning the client, should be neglected. Comfort care measures should include turning the client to prevent pressure ulcers and other complications. Therefore, this option is not the best choice as it may lead to neglecting important preventive care.

Choice C: Assume total care of the client to monitor neurologic function.

Reason: Assuming total care of the client is not practical and may not be necessary. The nurse should delegate tasks appropriately and ensure that the UAP is performing their duties correctly. Monitoring neurologic function is important, but it does not require the nurse to take over all aspects of the client’s care.

Choice D: Assign a practical nurse to assist the UAP in turning the client.

Reason: While assigning a practical nurse to assist the UAP might be helpful, it is not necessary if the UAP can resume the scheduled positioning on their own. The nurse should first advise the UAP to continue with the scheduled positioning before considering additional assistance.