A nurse explains to a client that it is important to slowly change positions to diminish or eliminate the symptoms of what?

Choice A rationale:

This option is incorrect. Tachypnea refers to abnormally fast breathing, typically defined as a respiratory rate higher than 20 breaths per minute in adults. It is the opposite of the condition described in the question, where the respiratory rate has fallen below 10 respirations per minute.

Choice B rationale:

This option is incorrect. Apnea refers to the absence of breathing, often resulting from a temporary cessation of airflow to the lungs. It is characterized by the complete absence of respiratory movements and sounds, which is different from the situation described in the question where the client is breathing at a very slow rate.

Choice C rationale:

Bradypnea, or abnormally slow breathing, is the correct answer in this case. It is defined as a respiratory rate lower than the normal range, which is typically between 12 to 20 breaths per minute in adults. Bradypnea can be caused by various factors, including drug overdose, neurological disorders, or metabolic imbalances. In this scenario, the client's slow respiratory rate (below 10 respirations per minute) indicates bradypnea.

Choice D rationale:

This option is incorrect. Eupnea refers to normal breathing, where the rate and depth of respirations are within the normal range. It does not describe the condition of the sedated client in the question, who is experiencing abnormally slow breathing (bradypnea)

Choice A rationale:

Modified equivalents. This is not the correct answer. The abbreviation "mEq" stands for milliequivalents, not modified equivalents.

Choice B rationale:

Megaequivalents. This is not the correct answer. "Mega" is a prefix indicating a factor of one million. In the context of electrolytes and medications, milliequivalents (mEq) are the appropriate unit of measurement, not megaequivalents.

Choice C rationale:

Milliequivalents. This is the correct answer. Milliequivalents (mEq) are a measure of the chemical combining power of a substance. In medical contexts, mEq is often used to express the amount of electrolytes (such as potassium, sodium, calcium) in a solution or dosage form. It represents 1/1000th of an equivalent, which is the amount of a substance that can react with or replace one mole of hydrogen ions (H+) It is important for healthcare professionals to understand these units when dealing with medications and intravenous fluids, as incorrect administration can lead to serious health complications.

Choice D rationale:

Miniequivalents. This is not the correct answer. "Mini" is not a standard prefix used in the International System of Units (SI) The correct prefix for a thousandth of an equivalent is "milli," making milliequivalents the appropriate unit of measurement for substances like electrolytes.