A client with severe bronchial pneumonia has been receiving oxygen, respiratory treatments, antibiotics, and intravenous fluids.
Which arterial blood gas result would indicate that the treatment has been effective?

Using an automatic BP cuff with a shivering client with a history of an irregular heart rate can result in inaccurate and low readings.

This is because shivering can interfere with the cuff inflation and deflation, and an irregular heart rate can affect the accuracy of the device.

The nurse should intervene and use a manual BP cuff with a stethoscope instead.

Choice B is wrong because pulling the client’s ear pinna backward, up and out to obtain a tympanic membrane temperature is the correct technique for adults and older children. This helps to straighten the ear canal and allow the light to reflect on the tympanic membrane, which shares the same vascular artery as the hypothalamus.

Choice C is wrong because counting the client’s radial pulse who is supine with the forearm straight alongside the body is an appropriate method.

The radial pulse can be easily palpated at the wrist, and the supine position and straight forearm do not affect the pulse rate.

Choice D is wrong because counting the respirations for one full minute for a client with tachypnea is a recommended practice.

Tachypnea means rapid breathing, and counting for one full minute can ensure accuracy and detect any variations in the respiratory pattern.

“My medication will be given at the scheduled times to best manage my pain.” This statement demonstrates understanding of the pain management plan because it shows that the client knows the importance of preventing pain from becoming severe by taking medication regularly. Scheduled administration of analgesics is more effective than administering them on demand.

Choice A is wrong because it implies that the client will wait until the pain is severe before asking for medication, which can make it harder to control.

Choice C is wrong because it suggests that the client expects to receive inadequate pain relief due to their history of opioid abuse, which is not ethical or evidence-based.

Choice D is wrong because it indicates that the client believes they will be denied any narcotics for pain, which is also not ethical or

evidence-based. Clients with a history of opioid abuse can still receive opioids for acute pain, but they may need higher doses or more frequent administration to achieve adequate analgesia.

Normal ranges for vital signs are as follows: respiratory rate 12-20 breaths per minute, heart rate 60-100 beats per minute, blood pressure 120/80 mmHg, temperature 36.5-37.5°C (97.7- 99.5°F).