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 A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Encouraging the patient to drink more fluids is a primary intervention for managing thick respiratory secretions. Adequate hydration helps to thin the mucus, making it easier to expectorate. Fluids such as water, herbal teas, and clear broths are particularly effective. The normal daily fluid intake for an adult is about 2-3 liters, depending on individual needs and health conditions.
Choice B reason: Getting a prescription for an antitussive agent is not the best initial approach for managing thick respiratory secretions. Antitussive agents are used to suppress coughing, which can be counterproductive when trying to clear mucus from the respiratory tract. Instead, expectorants or mucolytics are more appropriate as they help to thin and loosen the mucus.
Choice C reason: Teaching effective deep breathing is beneficial for overall lung health and can help in mobilizing secretions. However, it is not as immediately effective as increasing fluid intake for thinning thick secretions. Deep breathing exercises can be part of a comprehensive respiratory care plan but should be combined with other interventions like hydration.
Choice D reason: Changing the patient’s position every 2 hours is a good practice for preventing complications such as pressure ulcers and promoting lung expansion. However, it is not specifically targeted at thinning thick respiratory secretions. Positional changes can aid in the drainage of secretions but are secondary to ensuring adequate hydration.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Defamation of character is incorrect. Defamation of character involves making false statements about someone that damage their reputation. This can be in the form of slander (spoken) or libel (written). Applying restraints without proper justification does not fall under defamation of character.
Choice B Reason:
Invasion of privacy is incorrect. Invasion of privacy involves intruding into someone’s personal life without consent. This can include unauthorized access to personal information or spaces. Applying restraints without proper justification is not an invasion of privacy.
Choice C Reason:
Slander is incorrect. Slander is a form of defamation that involves making false spoken statements that damage someone’s reputation. Applying restraints without proper justification does not involve making false statements.
Choice D Reason:
False imprisonment is correct. False imprisonment involves restraining a person without legal justification or their consent. In a healthcare setting, applying restraints without proper justification or following legal and ethical guidelines constitutes false imprisonment and violates the client’s rights.
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