A nurse is caring for a client who has a chest tube connected to a closed drainage system and needs to be transported to the x-ray department. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Placing the client in a prone position improves oxygenation and ventilation by reducing lung compression, increasing lung expansion, and redistributing blood flow to better match ventilation.

a) Administering low-flow oxygen via nasal cannula is not sufficient for a client with ARDS, who requires
high levels of oxygenation and positive pressure ventilation to prevent alveolar collapse and hypoxemia.
b) Offering high-protein and high-carbohydrate foods frequently is beneficial for a client with ARDS, as it provides adequate nutrition and energy to support lung healing and prevent muscle wasting. However, it is not the priority intervention for improving respiratory function.
d) Encouraging oral intake of at least 3,000 mL of fluids per day is contraindicated for a client with ARDS, who is at risk of fluid overload and pulmonary edema. Fluid intake should be restricted and diuretics should be administered as prescribed to reduce fluid accumulation in the lungs.

These responses are correct and explain how albuterol helps the client's breathing. Albuterol is a short- acting beta2-agonist that causes bronchodilation and relieves bronchospasm, which are the main causes of wheezing and dyspnea in clients who have asthma or COPD. By opening the airways, albuterol improves gas exchange and oxygenation.

b) The medication will decrease coughing episodes. This response is incorrect and does not explain how albuterol helps the client's breathing. Albuterol does not have a direct effect on coughing, which is a reflex response to irritation or obstruction of the airways. Coughing may be beneficial for clearing secretions and mucus from the lungs, but it may also cause bronchoconstriction and inflammation. The nurse should advise the client to use other measures to decrease coughing, such as drinking fluids, using a humidifier, or taking an expectorant.
c) The medication will reduce inflammation. This response is incorrect and does not explain how albuterol helps the client's breathing. Albuterol does not have an anti-inflammatory effect on the airways, which are often inflamed and swollen in clients who have asthma or COPD. Inflammation can contribute to airway obstruction and mucus production, which impair gas exchange and oxygenation. The nurse should inform the client that albuterol is used for quick relief of acute symptoms, but not for long-term control or prevention of inflammation. The client may need to use another medication, such as an inhaled corticosteroid, to reduce inflammation.
e) The medication will stimulate flow of mucus. This response is incorrect and does not explain how albuterol helps the client's breathing. Albuterol does not have a direct effect on mucus production or clearance, which are often increased in clients who have asthma or COPD. Mucus can cause airway obstruction and infection, which impair gas exchange and oxygenation. The nurse should advise the client to use other measures to stimulate flow of mucus, such as drinking fluids, using a humidifier, or taking an expectorant.