A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client who has a closed head injury. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

The correct answer is choice C. “Perform chest percussion and postural drainage at least twice daily.” This is because chest percussion and postural drainage are airway clearance techniques that help remove thick mucus from the lungs of children who have cystic fibrosis. This can prevent respiratory infections and improve lung function.

Choice A is wrong because a bronchodilator should be administered before airway clearance therapy, not after. A bronchodilator helps open up the airways and make it easier to cough up mucus.

Choice B is wrong because pancreatic enzymes should be administered with meals and snacks, not on an empty stomach.

Pancreatic enzymes help digest fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in children who have cystic fibrosis. This can prevent malnutrition and growth failure.

Choice D is wrong because there is no need to restrict gluten intake for children who have cystic fibrosis, unless they also have celiac disease.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye that can cause intestinal damage in people who have celiac disease. Cystic fibrosis does not affect the ability to tolerate gluten.

Choice A reason:

Substitute tobacco use with an electronic cigarette Electronic cigarette, also known as e-cigarettes or vapes, are not recommended as a primary treatment for nicotine withdrawal. While they may be considered less harmful than traditional tobacco products, their long-term safety and effectiveness in helping individuals quit smoking are still a subject of debate and research. It is generally better to opt for proven nicotine replacement therapies, such as nicotine gum, patches, lozenges, or other medications approved by healthcare providers for smoking cessation.

Choice B reason:

Limitin use of nicotine gum to 6 months is the correct choice. When discussing treatment options with a client experiencing nicotine withdrawal, the nurse should include the information that the use of nicotine gum should be limited to 6 months. Nicotine gum is a form of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) used to help individuals quit smoking by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

However, prolonged use of nicotine gum can lead to its own dependence on nicotine, which is counterproductive to the goal of quitting smoking altogether. The use of NRT is typically recommended for a limited duration, and the goal is to gradually reduce the dosage over time until the individual can comfortably quit nicotine use altogether.

Choice C reason:

Using progressively larger nicotine patches Using progressively larger nicotine patches is not a recommended approach for nicotine withdrawal. Nicotine patches are available in different strengths, and the appropriate dosage should be determined based on the individual's smoking history and nicotine dependence. Starting with the appropriate strength and gradually reducing the dosage over time is the preferred approach to help clients quit smoking.

Choice D reason:

Using up to 40 nicotine lozenges per day the use of nicotine lozenges should be guided by the instructions provided with the product or as prescribed by a healthcare provider. It is not advisable to exceed the recommended dosage. Using excessive amounts of nicotine lozenges or any other NRT product can lead to nicotine toxicity and other adverse effects.