A nurse in an emergency department is preparing a client for emergency surgery. The client's blood alcohol level is 180 mg/dL. Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority?

Choice A Reason:

NG tube with suction apparatus should not be recommended. NG tubes and suction are not routine equipment for managing cystic fibrosis. They might be used for other medical conditions, such as digestive issues or nutritional support.

Choice B Reason:

Chest tube with a drainage system should not be recommended -. Chest tubes and drainage systems are used to manage conditions like pneumothorax or pleural effusion, which are not directly related to cystic fibrosis.

Choice C Reason:

A chest physiotherapy (CPT) vest, also known as a high-frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) vest, is commonly used by clients with cystic fibrosis to help clear mucus from the lungs. The vest vibrates at high frequency, loosening the mucus and making it easier for the client to cough it up, thus helping to manage respiratory symptoms and reduce the risk of infections.

Choice D Reason:

A peak flow meter is typically used for clients with asthma to measure the maximum speed of exhalation, which helps in assessing asthma control. While it can be useful for monitoring lung function, it is not specific to cystic fibrosis, where the primary concern is airway clearance rather than peak flow measurement.

Choice A Reason:

Decreased bowel sounds: Hyponatremia (low serum sodium levels) primarily affects the nervous system and can lead to neurological symptoms such as confusion, seizures, and headache. It doesn't typically directly affect bowel sounds. Therefore, this option is not the expected finding.

Choice B Reason:

Increased central venous pressure: As I mentioned earlier, hyponatremia can lead to cerebral edema (swelling of the brain) due to the movement of water into cells. This swelling can increase intracranial pressure and, in turn, affect the central venous pressure by impacting blood return to the heart. While the relationship between hyponatremia and central venous pressure might be complex, it's a more relevant consideration compared to the other options provided.

Choice C Reason:

Hyperreflexia: Hyponatremia can lead to changes in brain function and neurological symptoms, including altered reflexes. Hyperreflexia, which is an exaggerated response to stimuli, can indeed be a manifestation of hyponatremia, making this option a potential expected finding.

Choice D Reason:

Contusion: A contusion is a bruise that results from damage to blood vessels beneath the skin. Hyponatremia is not directly related to the formation of contusions. This option is not the expected finding in a client with low serum sodium levels.