A nurse is auscultating a client’s lung sounds and identifies crackles in the left lower lobe. Which intervention should the nurse take first?
Repeat auscultation after asking the client to take a deep breath and cough.
Instruct the client to limit fluid intake to less than 2,000 mL/day.
Place the client on bed rest in semi-Fowler’s position.
Prepare to administer antibiotics.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
Repeating auscultation after asking the client to take a deep breath and cough is the first intervention the nurse should take. This action helps to clear any secretions or mucus that might be causing the crackles. If the crackles persist after the client coughs, it indicates that the sounds are likely due to fluid in the lungs, which requires further assessment and intervention. This step ensures that the nurse accurately identifies the cause of the crackles before proceeding with other interventions.
Choice B Reason:
Instructing the client to limit fluid intake to less than 2,000 mL/day might be appropriate in cases of fluid overload or heart failure, but it is not the first intervention. The nurse needs to confirm the cause of the crackles before making any recommendations about fluid intake. Limiting fluid intake without proper assessment could lead to dehydration and other complications.
Choice C Reason:
Placing the client on bed rest in semi-Fowler’s position can help improve lung expansion and oxygenation by reducing pressure on the diaphragm. However, this is not the first intervention. The nurse should first determine if the crackles are due to secretions that can be cleared by coughing. Semi-Fowler’s position is beneficial for patients with respiratory distress, but it does not address the immediate need to reassess lung sounds.
Choice D Reason:
Preparing to administer antibiotics is not the first intervention. Antibiotics are used to treat infections, and the nurse needs to confirm whether the crackles are due to an infection or another cause before administering medication. Immediate administration of antibiotics without proper assessment could lead to inappropriate treatment and antibiotic resistance.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: To provide a means for medication administration
A Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain is not used for medication administration. Its primary function is to remove fluids that accumulate in a surgical site, which helps to prevent infection and promote healing. Medication administration is typically done through other means such as intravenous (IV) lines or oral medications.
Choice B reason: To eliminate the need for wound dressings
The JP drain does not eliminate the need for wound dressings. Dressings are still required to protect the wound site, absorb any additional drainage, and prevent infection. The JP drain works in conjunction with dressings to manage wound care effectively.
Choice C reason: To limit the amount of bleeding from the surgical site
While the JP drain can help manage bleeding by removing accumulated blood, its primary purpose is not to limit bleeding. Instead, it is designed to prevent the buildup of fluids, including blood, which can lead to complications such as hematomas or infections.
Choice D reason: To prevent fluid from accumulating in the wound
The primary purpose of a Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain is to prevent fluid from accumulating in the wound. This includes blood, lymphatic fluid, and other bodily fluids that can collect at the surgical site. By removing these fluids, the JP drain helps to reduce the risk of infection, promote healing, and decrease the likelihood of complications.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Mobilizes secretions is correct. Expectorants work by thinning and loosening the mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up and expel. This helps clear the respiratory tract of mucus and other secretions, making the cough more productive.
Choice B Reason:
Suppresses the urge to cough is incorrect. This describes the action of antitussives, not expectorants. Antitussives work by suppressing the cough reflex, which is different from the mechanism of expectorants.
Choice C Reason:
Reduces inflammation is incorrect. While reducing inflammation can help with respiratory symptoms, it is not the primary mechanism of action for expectorants. Anti-inflammatory medications are used to reduce inflammation.
Choice D Reason:
Dries mucous membranes is incorrect. Drying mucous membranes is typically the action of antihistamines, not expectorants. Expectorants aim to increase the moisture in mucus to make it less sticky and easier to expel.
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