A nurse is auscultating a client’s lung sounds and identifies crackles in the left lower lobe. Which of the following interventions should the nurse take?
Place the client on bed rest in supine position.
Repeat auscultation after asking the client to breathe deeply and cough.
Prepare to administer antibiotics.
Instruct the client to limit fluid intake to less than 2,000 mL/day.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Place the client on bed rest in supine position:
While bed rest might be appropriate for certain respiratory conditions, it is not a specific intervention for crackles. In fact, changing the client's position, such as having them sit up, may enhance lung function and help with breathing.
B. Repeat auscultation after asking the client to breathe deeply and cough:
This is the correct action. Repeating auscultation after having the client take deep breaths and cough can provide additional information about the nature of the crackles and may help clear the airways temporarily.
C. Prepare to administer antibiotics:
Administering antibiotics would be considered if the crackles are indicative of a respiratory infection. However, determining the need for antibiotics would require a more comprehensive assessment, including diagnostic tests.
D. Instruct the client to limit fluid intake to less than 2,000 mL/day:
Limiting fluid intake is not a direct intervention for crackles. This action is typically considered in conditions like heart failure where there is a risk of fluid overload. It is not the primary intervention for addressing crackles in the lungs.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Assess the pedal pulses with a Doppler device:
Assessing the pedal pulses with a Doppler device may be useful in certain situations, but when the radial pulse is irregular, it's more important to assess the central (apical) pulse to get a more accurate representation of the heart's rhythm.
B. Assess the apical pulse with a Doppler device:
While using a Doppler device on the apical pulse is an option, it's generally not the first choice when assessing irregular pulses. The apical pulse can often be palpated manually, and it's more practical to assess it directly for irregularities.
C. Assess the apical pulse for a full minute:
This is the recommended action when the radial pulse is irregular. By assessing the apical pulse for a full minute, the nurse can accurately determine the heart rate and identify any irregularities in rhythm, providing a comprehensive assessment of the cardiac status.
D. Assess the pedal pulses for a full minute:
While assessing the pedal pulses is important in certain situations, it may not be the priority when dealing with an irregular radial pulse. Assessing the apical pulse for a full minute gives a more direct and accurate reflection of the heart's rhythm.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Check temperature and SPO2
When the nurse finds an adult patient's pulse rate to be 140 beats per minute, it is important to assess other vital signs, particularly temperature and oxygen saturation (SPO2). This helps gather additional information to understand the overall clinical picture and assess for potential underlying causes of the elevated heart rate.
B. Report the rate to the primary care provider:
Reporting the heart rate to the primary care provider may be necessary, but it should not be the immediate action. Assessing other vital signs first provides a more comprehensive understanding.
C. Check the pulse again in 2 hours:
Waiting for 2 hours to recheck the pulse is not appropriate when the heart rate is significantly elevated. Immediate action and further assessment are needed.
D. Record the information:
Recording the elevated heart rate is part of documentation, but it should be accompanied by a more comprehensive assessment of vital signs and potential contributing factors.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
