A client who was admitted yesterday with bilateral pneumonia has congested breath sounds, an oxygen saturation of 94% on room air, and an oral temperature of 100° F (37.8° C). The client has a weak cough effort and is using accessory muscles to breathe. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
Obtain arterial blood gases.
Administer a prescribed antipyretic.
Offer a prescribed PRN analgesic.
Suction to clear secretions from airway.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Obtaining arterial blood gases is important for assessing respiratory status but is not the immediate priority.
B. Administering an antipyretic can help reduce fever but does not address the immediate respiratory distress the client is experiencing.
C. Offering an analgesic can improve comfort but is not the priority intervention in this scenario.
D. Suctioning to clear secretions from the airway is the most critical intervention to improve the client’s respiratory status, especially given the weak cough effort and use of accessory muscles, indicating possible airway obstruction or ineffective clearance of secretions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. While assessing body temperature is important, it is not the most critical action prior to administering vancomycin.
B. Auscultating bowel sounds can provide information about gastrointestinal function but is not specifically required before administering vancomycin.
C. Measuring oxygen saturation is important in assessing respiratory status but is not related to the administration of vancomycin.
D. Checking serum creatinine is essential because vancomycin can affect renal function, and assessing kidney function is critical before administration to prevent potential toxicity, especially in patients with a history of renal impairment.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Belching is a common symptom and not an urgent finding in this context.
B. Yellow sclera indicates jaundice, which suggests bile obstruction due to the lodged gallstone in the common bile duct; this is a critical finding that requires immediate attention from the healthcare provider.
C. Flatulence can occur with gastrointestinal distress but does not indicate an immediate complication.
D. Amber urine may indicate dehydration or bilirubin presence, but it is less critical than the yellow sclera in this scenario, which directly indicates liver or bile duct involvement.
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