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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Ask close-ended questions is incorrect. Close-ended questions typically elicit short, specific responses such as “yes” or “no.” While they can be useful in certain situations, they do not provide enough information to thoroughly assess a client’s mental status. Open-ended questions allow the client to express themselves more fully, providing the nurse with better insight into their cognitive function.
Choice B Reason:
Ask open-ended questions is correct. Open-ended questions encourage the client to elaborate on their thoughts and feelings, which can reveal more about their mental status. This type of questioning helps the nurse assess the client’s orientation, memory, and thought processes more effectively.
Choice C Reason:
Use directive questions is incorrect. Directive questions are more structured and guide the client towards specific answers. While they can be useful for obtaining specific information, they do not allow for a comprehensive assessment of the client’s mental status.
Choice D Reason:
Use reflective questions is incorrect. Reflective questions are used to encourage the client to think more deeply about their responses and feelings. While they can be helpful in therapeutic settings, they are not the most effective for an initial assessment of mental status.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Listening to the client’s speech is not a method used to assess cranial nerve V. This method is more relevant for assessing cranial nerves IX (Glossopharyngeal) and X (Vagus), which are involved in speech and swallowing.
Choice B Reason:
Clenching the teeth is a method used to assess the motor function of cranial nerve V (the trigeminal nerve). The trigeminal nerve is responsible for the movement of the muscles involved in chewing. When a client clenches their teeth, the nurse can palpate the masseter and temporal muscles to check for strength and symmetry. This helps determine if there are any abnormalities in the motor function of the trigeminal nerve.
Choice C Reason:
Asking the client to read a Snellen chart is a method used to assess cranial nerve II (Optic), which is responsible for vision. This method does not assess cranial nerve V.
Choice D Reason:
Asking the client to raise his eyebrows is a method used to assess cranial nerve VII (Facial), which controls facial expressions. This method is not used to assess cranial nerve V.
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