A client with psoriasis returns to the clinic reporting the persistence of several silvery, scaly areas on the elbows and palms that frequently burn and sometimes bleed.
Which prescription should the nurse teach the client to use for the skin condition?

Choice A rationale:

PaCO2 55 mm Hg on a blood gas indicates ineffective treatment. Normal PaCO2 levels range from 35-45 mm Hg.

Elevated PaCO2 (hypercapnia) suggests that the lungs are not effectively removing carbon dioxide from the body. This can be due to various factors, including:

Incomplete resolution of pneumonia Airway obstruction

Impaired respiratory muscle function

Choice B rationale:

Rhonchi in the right lung indicates ineffective treatment.

Rhonchi are coarse, rattling sounds heard in the lungs during auscultation.

They are often associated with mucus accumulation in the airways, which can occur in pneumonia.

The presence of rhonchi suggests that inflammation and mucus production persist, despite antibiotic and respiratory therapy.

Choice C rationale:

Oxygen saturation greater than 94% indicates effective treatment. Normal oxygen saturation levels are typically 95% or higher.

A saturation of 94% or above suggests that the lungs are able to effectively oxygenate the blood. This is a positive sign that the pneumonia is responding to treatment.

Choice D rationale:

Client ambulates without shortness of breath indicates effective treatment. Shortness of breath (dyspnea) is a common symptom of pneumonia.

It occurs when the lungs are unable to provide enough oxygen to the body, leading to a feeling of breathlessness.

The ability to ambulate without shortness of breath suggests that the pneumonia has improved and that the lungs are functioning more effectively.

The correct answer is choiceb. Identify the client using 2 client identifiers,c. Perform hand hygiene,e. Don gloves,f. Check the skin around the face, andg. Assess respiratory function.

Choice A rationale:

Determining if the client needs to go to the bathroom is not directly related to the immediate preparation for oxygen administration. However, it can be considered as part of overall patient comfort and care.

Choice B rationale:

Identifying the client using 2 client identifiers is crucial to ensure the correct patient is receiving the correct treatment, which is a standard safety protocol in healthcare settings.

Choice C rationale:

Performing hand hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of infection and maintain a sterile environment.

Choice D rationale:

Brushing the client’s teeth is not a necessary step before applying a simple face mask for oxygen administration. It is more related to general oral hygiene.

Choice E rationale:

Donning gloves is important to protect both the nurse and the patient from potential contamination and infection.

Choice F rationale:

Checking the skin around the face is important to ensure there are no existing sores or irritations that could be exacerbated by the mask.

Choice G rationale:

Assessing respiratory function is critical to determine the patient’s baseline respiratory status and to monitor the effectiveness of the oxygen therapy.