A nurse administers an opioid analgesic to a postoperative client who also has severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Which Intervention is most important for the nurse to implement before leaving the client alone?

Elevate the head of the bed to a 45 degree angle.

Lift and lock the side rails in place.

Apply the client's positive airway pressure device.

Remove dentures or other oral appliance.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Elevate the head of the bed to a 45-degree angle:

Elevating the head of the bed can help improve airway patency and reduce the risk of airway obstruction in clients with OSA. While this intervention is important, applying the positive airway pressure device (CPAP or BiPAP) takes precedence due to its direct impact on maintaining airway patency and preventing respiratory compromise.

B. Lift and lock the side rails in place:

Ensuring the safety of the client by lifting and locking the side rails is important, but it does not directly address the client's OSA or the potential respiratory depression associated with opioid analgesic administration.

C. Apply the client's positive airway pressure device:

This is the most important intervention in this scenario. Clients with severe obstructive sleep apnea rely on positive airway pressure devices, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP), to maintain airway patency and prevent episodes of apnea during sleep. Applying the device before leaving the client alone ensures continuous support for effective breathing.

D. Remove dentures or other oral appliance:

While removing dentures or other oral appliances may be necessary for client comfort and safety, it is not directly related to managing OSA or preventing respiratory compromise associated with opioid analgesic administration.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Initiate a fall risk protocol for the client:

Initiating a fall risk protocol may be premature based solely on observations of an upright posture and a smooth, steady gait. While falls are a significant concern in older adults, these observations suggest that the client currently exhibits good balance and mobility, which may not warrant immediate initiation of a fall risk protocol. Fall risk assessments typically involve a comprehensive evaluation of multiple factors beyond posture and gait, such as medical history, medications, cognitive status, and environmental factors.

B. Teach the client to shorten the stride to prevent falls:

Teaching the client to shorten their stride to prevent falls may not be necessary based on the observed smooth and steady gait. Shortening the stride is often recommended for individuals who exhibit signs of imbalance or instability during walking. However, in this scenario, the client demonstrates a smooth and steady gait, suggesting that their current gait pattern is effective and does not pose an immediate risk of falling.

C. Determine the client's activity tolerance:

Assessing the client's activity tolerance is an appropriate next step in the nursing process. While the observed upright posture and smooth, steady gait are positive indicators of mobility, understanding the client's overall activity tolerance provides valuable insight into their functional capacity and ability to perform activities of daily living safely. This assessment helps tailor care interventions to meet the client's individual needs and promotes optimal independence and quality of life.

D. Record the client's ability to perform ADLs safely:

Documenting the client's ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) safely is an essential component of nursing assessment and documentation. However, it may not be the most immediate action to take following the observation of an upright posture and smooth, steady gait. While documenting findings is important for maintaining accurate records and facilitating communication among healthcare team members, further assessment of the client's activity tolerance would provide additional context for documenting their functional status accurately.

A. "I am sorry to disturb you at a difficult time. This can walt until later." B. “While touching the client's forearm, asks, "Would you like to talk about it?" C. "This is a bad time. I can see you are upset. I can come back later." D. “Gives the client a hug and says, "It is okay to cry when you are sad."

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. "I am sorry to disturb you at a difficult time. This can wait until later."

This response acknowledges the client's distress but does not actively engage with the client's emotions or offer support. It also suggests postponing the assessment, which may not be necessary if the client is willing to discuss their feelings.

B. “While touching the client's forearm, asks, 'Would you like to talk about it?'"

This response demonstrates empathy and offers the client an opportunity to express their feelings if they wish to do so. By gently touching the client's forearm and asking if they would like to talk, the nurse conveys support and openness to the client's emotional needs.

C. "This is a bad time. I can see you are upset. I can come back later."

While this response acknowledges the client's emotions and offers to return later, it may not be the most helpful approach. It assumes that the client does not want to engage in conversation at that moment without giving them the opportunity to express their preferences.

D. “Gives the client a hug and says, 'It is okay to cry when you are sad.'"

While offering physical comfort like a hug can be appropriate in some situations, it's important to respect the client's personal boundaries and preferences, especially if they are in distress. Additionally, some clients may not feel comfortable with physical touch from healthcare providers. This response also assumes the client's emotions without directly addressing their needs or offering them an opportunity to express themselves verbally.

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A nurse administers an opioid analgesic to a postoperative client who also has severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Which Intervention is most important for the nurse to implement before leaving the client alone?

Nursing Test Bank

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