A clinic nurse is preparing to teach student nurses about care of clients with viral pharyngitis. Which information should the nurse include in the teaching plan? Select all that apply.

A. Hypotension: While hypotension can occur in clients with acute respiratory failure (ARF), it is not a primary manifestation of the condition. Hypotension may arise due to other factors, such as sepsis or significant fluid loss, but is not universally present in ARF. Therefore, it is less likely to be a key finding in this context.
B. Severe dyspnea: This is a hallmark manifestation of ARF. Clients typically experience significant difficulty in breathing due to inadequate oxygenation or ventilation, leading to an urgent need for medical intervention. Monitoring for severe dyspnea is critical as it directly indicates the severity of respiratory distress.
C. Headache: Headaches can be a manifestation of acute respiratory failure, particularly due to hypoxia or hypercapnia (elevated carbon dioxide levels) affecting cerebral circulation. This symptom may arise as the body struggles to compensate for decreased oxygen levels, making it important to monitor in clients with ARF.
D. Decreased level of consciousness: This is a significant concern in ARF and can indicate worsening hypoxia or hypercapnia. Alterations in consciousness may range from confusion to unresponsiveness and require immediate evaluation and intervention, making it a critical manifestation to monitor.
E. Nausea: Although some clients may experience nausea as a secondary symptom due to anxiety or as a response to hypoxia, it is not a primary or definitive manifestation of acute respiratory failure. Therefore, while it may occur in some cases, it is not one of the key findings to consistently monitor in clients with ARF.

A. Evaluate outcomes at the end of the shift: This is an important recommendation as it allows nurses to assess the effectiveness of interventions and the overall condition of patients. Evaluating outcomes helps in identifying areas for improvement, ensuring that patient care meets safety and quality standards. This practice fosters accountability and continuous improvement in patient-centered care.
B. Evaluate outcomes at the start of the shift: While evaluating outcomes at the beginning of the shift can provide valuable information, it is more effective to evaluate outcomes after care has been provided. Starting the shift with a review of previous outcomes can guide care planning, but the actual evaluation of interventions should occur after implementation to assess their effectiveness.
C. Plan and report outcomes: Planning and reporting outcomes are essential components of providing safe, quality, patient-centered care. This involves setting clear goals for patient care and documenting the expected results, which allows for effective communication among the healthcare team and ensures that everyone is aligned in their approach to patient care.
D. Communicate the plan: Effective communication of the care plan is critical to patient safety and quality care. Sharing the plan with all team members ensures that everyone is aware of the goals and interventions, facilitating collaboration and reducing the risk of errors. Clear communication enhances the patient's understanding of their care and promotes involvement in the decision-making process.
E. Think critically: Critical thinking is fundamental to nursing practice and promotes safe, quality, patient-centered care. It involves analyzing information, evaluating evidence, and making informed decisions based on patient needs and circumstances. Encouraging critical thinking enables nurses to assess situations thoroughly, anticipate potential problems, and implement appropriate interventions.