A client is admitted following a motor vehicle collision.
When assessing the client's level of consciousness, the nurse notes that the client no longer responds to commands.
The nurse initiates a painful stimulus and the client responds by pulling the arms inward with elbows and wrists flexed and extending the legs with the toes pointed downward.
Which action should the nurse implement?

Choice A rationale:

Increasing the supplemental oxygen to 15 L/min via nasal cannula may seem like a logical step given the client’s low oxygen saturation. However, it’s important to note that oxygen therapy should be titrated carefully. Too much oxygen can lead to oxygen toxicity, which can cause cellular damage and worsen the client’s condition. Therefore, this is not the priority action.

Choice B rationale:

Notifying the health care provider of the client’s condition is the priority action. The client’s oxygen saturation is 88% on room air, which is below the normal range of 95% to 100%. This indicates that the client is not getting enough oxygen, which can lead to hypoxia and other serious complications. The health care provider needs to be informed immediately so that appropriate interventions can be initiated.

Choice C rationale:

Administering ibuprofen as ordered for fever is important, but it’s not the priority in this situation. While fever can indicate an infection, which could be contributing to the client’s low oxygen saturation, addressing the immediate issue of hypoxia is more critical.

Choice D rationale:

Obtaining a sputum culture from the client could provide valuable information about the type of bacteria causing the pneumonia and guide antibiotic therapy. However, this is not an immediate priority compared to addressing the client’s low oxygen saturation. In summary, while all these actions are important in caring for a client with pneumonia, the nurse must prioritize interventions based on their urgency and potential impact on the client’s health status. In this case, notifying the health care provider of the client’s condition is the most critical action.

Choice A rationale:

Instructing the UAP to apply a warm blanket and massage the client's back is the appropriate intervention in response to the client's complaints of feeling dizzy and cold during a fecal impaction removal procedure. These symptoms suggest a vasovagal response, which can be managed by keeping the client warm and providing comfort. This intervention helps increase blood flow and alleviate symptoms.

Choice B rationale:

Inserting a gloved finger into the rectum and massaging the rectal sphincter is not the first-line intervention when a client complains of feeling dizzy and cold during a fecal impaction removal. This invasive procedure should be reserved for cases where other interventions have failed, and it is necessary to complete the impaction removal.

Choice C rationale:

Stopping the procedure and observing for a reduction in symptoms before continuing is a reasonable approach, but it does not address the immediate discomfort and distress the client is experiencing. Providing comfort measures, such as applying a warm blanket and massaging the client's back, should be the initial response.

Choice D rationale:

Encouraging the client to take slow, deep breaths while continuing the procedure may not be effective in addressing the client's symptoms of dizziness and coldness. The client may require immediate comfort measures to stabilize their condition.