A client is having trouble breathing while lying in a dorsal recumbent position. Which action should the nurse implement first?

Document the presence of orthopnea.

Elevate the head of the bed.

Obtain a pulse oximeter.

Assess the client's vital signs.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A.   Orthopnea is a condition where a person has difficulty breathing when lying flat and may require sitting or standing to breathe more easily. While documenting orthopnea is important for the medical record and understanding the client’s condition, it is not the immediate priority in addressing acute breathing difficulty.
B.   Elevating the head of the bed is an immediate and effective action to help alleviate breathing difficulty. This position helps improve respiratory mechanics by allowing the diaphragm to move more freely and reducing pressure on the lungs.
C.   Using a pulse oximeter to measure oxygen saturation is important for assessing the client’s oxygen levels and determining the need for supplemental oxygen. However, this action is secondary to immediately addressing the position that is causing difficulty.
D.   Assessing vital signs is important for a comprehensive evaluation of the client’s overall condition and to identify any critical changes in health status. However, in the case of immediate breathing difficulty, it is more urgent to take actions that directly address the breathing issue before performing a thorough assessment.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. This option does not correspond to one of Erik Erikson's stages. Erikson's theory includes eight stages of psychosocial development, and this specific stage is not part of his framework. While depression is a relevant concern in older adults, the correct terminology and stage must be identified based on Erikson’s theory.
B. This is Erikson's eighth and final stage of psychosocial development, typically occurring in late adulthood. In this stage, individuals reflect on their lives and either achieve a sense of integrity and fulfillment or experience despair and regret. The behaviors of withdrawing from friends, crying often, and seeking increased contact with family members are consistent with feelings of despair, as individuals may struggle with reflecting on their lives and their sense of accomplishment.
C. This is Erikson's sixth stage, which occurs during young adulthood (approximately ages 18 to 40). In this stage, individuals focus on forming intimate relationships and avoiding isolation. The behaviors described are more characteristic of older adulthood rather than young adulthood, so this stage is not applicable to the client's situation.
D. This is Erikson's first stage, occurring in infancy (from birth to about 18 months). During this stage, the primary task is developing trust in caregivers and the environment. The client’s behaviors are not related to the issues of trust or mistrust from early childhood but rather reflect challenges faced in older adulthood.

A. Document the assessment data. B. Increase the liter flow of oxygen. C. Encourage the client to take deep breaths. D. Remove the mask to deflate the bag.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. It's normal for the reservoir bag not to deflate completely during inspiration. A respiratory rate of 14 breaths/minute is within the normal range (12-20 breaths/minute). If the client is comfortable and their oxygen saturation is within the normal range, there is no need for intervention. Documenting the assessment data for future reference is sufficient.
B. Increasing the liter flow of oxygen may not be necessary if the client's oxygen saturation is within the normal range. It could also lead to oxygen toxicity if the flow is set too high.
C. Encouraging deep breaths may not be necessary if the client's respiratory rate is within the normal range.
D. Removing the mask to deflate the bag is not necessary and could interfere with the delivery of oxygen.

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A client is having trouble breathing while lying in a dorsal recumbent position. Which action should the nurse implement first?

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse assesses an adult client with a partial rebreather mask and notes that the oxygen reservoir bag does not deflate completely during inspiration and the client's respiratory rate is 14 breaths/minute. Which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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