A nurse has admitted a client with burns to the head, face, and hands. On initial assessment, wheezing is noted. On reassessment, the nurse notes decreased bilateral lung sounds. The client appears anxious. respiration rate is 30, and Pulse oximetry is 80%. Which of the following is the priority action the nurse should take?
Encourage the client to cough and auscultate the lungs again.
Document the change and continue to monitor the client's respiratory rate.
Notify the health care provider and prepare for endotracheal intubation.
Reposition the client in high-Fowler's position and reassess breath sounds.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Encourage the client to cough and auscultate the lungs again:
This delays necessary intervention and is not appropriate for suspected airway compromise.
B. Document the change and continue to monitor the client's respiratory rate:
Passive monitoring is not safe here given signs of impending respiratory failure.
C. Notify the health care provider and prepare for endotracheal intubation:
Facial burns and decreasing breath sounds suggest airway edema—immediate intubation is critical before complete airway obstruction.
D. Reposition the client in high-Fowler's position and reassess breath sounds:
While positioning helps breathing, it’s not sufficient or timely enough in a rapidly deteriorating airway.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Client with partial and deep partial thickness burns on the face and neck with high-pitched respiratory sounds: High-pitched respiratory sounds (stridor) suggest impending airway obstruction, which is life-threatening and requires immediate intervention.
B. Client with facial burns and expectorating sooty secretions in no distress: At risk for inhalation injury but not in immediate respiratory distress.
C. Client with dry, black skin on both hands and a history of diabetes mellitus: Eschar and possible full-thickness burns are serious but not immediately life-threatening compared to airway compromise.
D. Client with moist blisters over the back and who reports pain as 10: Pain is expected and manageable; airway takes priority.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Auscultate the antecubital fossa using a Doppler stethoscope: The graft is located in the forearm, not the antecubital fossa.
B. Measure the client's blood pressure to ensure it is higher in the left arm than the right: This does not assess AV graft patency and blood pressure should be avoided in the arm with a graft.
C. Auscultate the site for a bruit: The presence of a bruit and thrill indicates blood flow through the graft, confirming patency.
D. Check the brachial and radial pulses of the left arm simultaneously: While peripheral pulses can offer some insight, they do not directly confirm graft patency.
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