A client presents to the emergency department with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. While obtaining the history and physical assessment, the nurse discovers that the client's significant other is recovering from COVID 19. After obtaining a nasal swab to test the client for COVID 19, which action is most important for the nurse to take?

A. Allowing the client to find a comfortable position can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, which can be beneficial during an asthma exacerbation.
B. While the patient is currently receiving treatment with albuterol and oxygen, discussing aggressive respiratory treatment options may not be necessary at this moment unless the patient's condition deteriorates and requires escalation of care.
C. Deep tracheal suctioning is not indicated based on the current assessment findings unless there is a specific clinical indication such as excessive secretions or respiratory distress.
D. Identifying and discussing potential triggers is important for asthma management. This helps the client understand what factors might exacerbate their asthma and how to avoid them in the future.
E. Since the patient's oxygen saturation is still below target (91% on room air), weaning the supplemental oxygen is not appropriate at this time. The oxygen therapy should be continued as per the titration orders to maintain saturation above 94%.
F. Obtaining a sputum culture is not typically indicated in acute asthma exacerbations unless there is suspicion of a secondary infection or if the patient develops persistent fever and productive cough.
G. Continuously monitoring oxygen saturation is crucial to ensure it remains above 94%. This helps gauge the effectiveness of treatment and ensures the patient's respiratory status is stable.
H. Positive pressure ventilation is a more advanced intervention and is not indicated based on the current assessment findings. It would only be considered if the patient's condition worsens despite maximal medical therapy.

Rationale

A. This involves visually inspecting the chest to ensure both sides rise and fall equally during ventilation. Symmetrical chest movement suggests that both lungs are being adequately ventilated.

B. Auscultation involves listening with a stethoscope over the chest to confirm the presence of breath sounds in both lung fields. Bilateral breath sounds indicate that the ETT is correctly positioned in the trachea, allowing air to reach both lungs.

C. A chest x-ray provides a definitive confirmation of the ETT placement in relation to the trachea and lungs. It allows visualization of the tube's position relative to anatomical landmarks, such as the carina, which helps ensure proper placement.

This involves checking the markings on the ETT tube to ensure it is inserted to the correct depth. Typically, the ETT should be positioned with its tip approximately 2 to 4 cm above the carina, which corresponds to the 22-26 cm mark at the teeth line in adults. However, it does not confirm correct placement.

E. Capillary refill is a measure of peripheral perfusion and is unrelated to ETT placement. It assesses circulatory status by pressing on a nail bed and observing the time it takes for color to return. It does not provide information about ETT placement.