A nurse is caring for a client immediately following endotracheal intubation. The nurse should assess the client for complications by performing which of the following priority action?

A. Culturally incompetent caregivers. When healthcare providers lack cultural awareness, they may struggle to communicate effectively with patients from diverse backgrounds. This can lead to misunderstandings, decreased trust, and reduced adherence to treatment plans. Patients may feel unheard or disrespected if their cultural beliefs and preferences are not considered. Cultural competence training helps bridge communication gaps and improves patient-provider relationships.
B. Proper training in healthcare communication. Training in communication enhances a provider’s ability to listen actively, use clear language, and foster patient-centered interactions. It helps reduce medical errors, improve patient understanding, and enhance trust in healthcare providers. Since communication training strengthens interactions rather than hindering them, it is not considered a barrier. Well-trained providers can adapt their approach to meet the needs of each patient effectively.
C. Implicit bias. Unconscious biases can negatively affect how healthcare providers interact with patients, leading to disparities in care. Providers may unintentionally assume things about a patient based on stereotypes rather than their individual needs. This can cause miscommunication, lack of trust, and reluctance to seek care. Recognizing and addressing implicit bias is crucial for ensuring equitable and effective communication.
D. Excellent health literacy. High health literacy enables patients to understand medical information, follow treatment plans, and communicate effectively with providers. This reduces confusion, enhances decision-making, and improves health outcomes. Since excellent health literacy helps rather than hinders communication, it is not a barrier. Instead, it empowers patients to engage more actively in their care.
E. Lack of diversity. A lack of diversity in healthcare can result in communication barriers, as providers may be less familiar with different cultural perspectives and language needs. This can lead to misunderstandings, decreased patient satisfaction, and reduced quality of care. A diverse healthcare workforce fosters inclusivity, improves provider-patient communication, and promotes better health outcomes. Encouraging diversity ensures a more culturally competent and responsive healthcare system.

A. The medication will open the airways: Albuterol is a bronchodilator that works by relaxing the muscles around the airways, leading to dilation and increased airflow. This action helps to relieve symptoms of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), making it easier for the client to breathe. The nurse should emphasize that opening the airways is a primary function of albuterol, providing immediate relief during breathing difficulties.
B. The medication will stimulate the flow of mucus: Albuterol does not primarily stimulate mucus production; rather, its main role is to relax bronchial smooth muscle and open the airways. While effective airway management may lead to improved mucus clearance due to enhanced airflow, albuterol itself does not directly promote mucus secretion. Thus, this statement does not accurately describe the action of the medication.
C. The medication will decrease coughing episodes: By opening the airways and improving airflow, albuterol can help reduce coughing episodes associated with bronchospasm or airway constriction. When the airways are less constricted, the client is less likely to experience the irritative cough often seen in respiratory conditions like asthma. This is an important point for the nurse to convey to help the client understand the medication's benefits.
D. The medication will prevent wheezing: Albuterol can help prevent or relieve wheezing by relaxing the bronchial muscles and facilitating better airflow. Wheezing often occurs when the airways are narrowed or constricted, and by using albuterol, the client can experience fewer wheezing episodes during respiratory distress. The nurse should explain this aspect to reinforce the medication's role in managing asthma or COPD symptoms.
E. The medication will reduce inflammation: Albuterol is not an anti-inflammatory medication; it primarily functions as a bronchodilator. While it can improve breathing by relaxing airway muscles, it does not directly target inflammation in the airways. Inhaled corticosteroids or other anti-inflammatory medications are typically used to address inflammation. Therefore, this response does not accurately reflect the action of albuterol.