A nurse is caring for a client admitted with a rash. They are trying to rule out (r/o) varicella. Before entering the room, the nurse should be instructed to wear what kind of mask?

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.

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.