A client who is experiencing respiratory distress is admitted with respiratory acidosis.

Which pathophysiological process supports the client's respiratory acidosis?

Choice A rationale:

Chronic pain is a significant concern for this client, but it is not the immediate priority. Pain can be managed with medications and comfort measures, while aspiration can be life-threatening.

Tissue destruction by the tumor is likely contributing to the pain, but addressing the risk of aspiration takes precedence.

Uncontrolled pain can exacerbate anxiety and make it difficult to focus on other interventions, but ensuring airway safety is paramount.

Choice B rationale:

Anxiety and grieving are expected reactions to a diagnosis of esophageal cancer, and they should be addressed as part of the client's care plan. However, they are not the immediate priority in this case.

The progression of the disease is a significant stressor, but attending to the risk of aspiration is essential for the client's safety. Psychological distress can negatively impact coping and quality of life, but addressing physical needs takes precedence.

Choice D rationale:

Imbalanced nutrition is a concern for this client due to dysphagia and anorexia. However, it is not the immediate priority. Nutritional interventions can be implemented once the risk of aspiration is addressed.

Difficulty swallowing can lead to inadequate intake and malnutrition, but ensuring airway safety is the primary concern.

Anorexia can further contribute to nutritional deficits, but preventing aspiration is the most pressing issue.

Choice C is the priority nursing problem because:

The client's dysphagia puts them at immediate risk for aspiration, which can lead to pneumonia, respiratory failure, and even death.

Addressing the risk of aspiration is essential to ensure the client's safety and prevent life-threatening complications. It's crucial to implement interventions to minimize the risk of aspiration, such as:

Elevating the head of the bed during meals and for 30-60 minutes after eating Thickening liquids and pureeing foods

Encouraging small, frequent meals

Monitoring for signs of aspiration, such as coughing, choking, or difficulty breathing

Choice A rationale:

Radiation exposure to the eye is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. However, it is not a contraindication for ophthalmic ketorolac. In fact, ketorolac may be used to treat pain and inflammation associated with radiation exposure to the eye.

Ophthalmic ketorolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are substances that cause inflammation and pain.

Radiation exposure can damage the cells of the eye, leading to inflammation and pain. Ketorolac can help to reduce these symptoms.

However, it is important to note that ketorolac does not address the underlying cause of radiation exposure, and further treatment may be necessary.

Choice B rationale:

Corneal abrasion is a scratch on the surface of the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye. It is a common eye injury that can be caused by a variety of factors, such as getting poked in the eye, rubbing the eye too hard, or wearing contact lenses for too long.

Ophthalmic ketorolac is contraindicated in patients with corneal abrasions because it can delay healing and increase the risk of infection.

This is because ketorolac inhibits the production of prostaglandins, which are involved in the healing process. Prostaglandins also play a role in fighting infection.

Therefore, using ketorolac in a patient with a corneal abrasion could potentially lead to a more serious infection.

Choice C rationale:

Chemical burn to the eye is a serious injury that requires immediate medical attention. Ophthalmic ketorolac is not typically used to treat chemical burns to the eye.

This is because ketorolac is not effective in reducing inflammation caused by chemical burns. In addition, ketorolac can potentially worsen the injury by delaying healing.

Choice D rationale:

Foreign body in the eye is a common eye injury that can be caused by a variety of objects, such as dust, sand, or metal shavings. Ophthalmic ketorolac is not typically used to treat foreign bodies in the eye.

This is because ketorolac will not help to remove the foreign body from the eye. In addition, ketorolac can potentially worsen the injury by delaying healing.