A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of cancer. Which of the following actions by the nurse maintains the client's confidentiality?

The correct answer is **d. Attach a humidifier to the base of the flow meter**.

Choice A rationale:

Keeping the side holes of the mask closed would restrict airflow and prevent the client from receiving the prescribed oxygen concentration. This action would be unsafe and should not be taken.

Choice B rationale:

Ensuring the reservoir bag is inflated on expiration is not necessary for a simple face mask. The reservoir bag is typically used with other oxygen delivery devices, such as a non-rebreather mask, to provide a higher concentration of oxygen. This action is not appropriate for the given scenario.

Choice C rationale:

Applying petroleum jelly to the client's nostrils is not a recommended action. Petroleum jelly can potentially cause irritation and dryness, which could lead to discomfort for the client. This action is not necessary for the safe administration of oxygen.

Choice D rationale:

Attaching a humidifier to the base of the flow meter is the appropriate action to ensure client safety. Humidifying the oxygen can help prevent drying of the client's airway and make the oxygen more comfortable to breathe. This is a recommended step when administering high-flow oxygen via a simple face mask.

The correct answer is choice A.

Choice A rationale:

Count the client's radial and apical pulses simultaneously with another nurse. Rationale: In the presence of an irregular heart rate, a pulse deficit might indicate a discrepancy between the peripheral (radial) and central (apical) pulses. Counting the pulses simultaneously with another nurse helps to accurately assess this deficit. By comparing the two pulse rates, the nurse can identify if there is a difference, which might indicate inadequate circulation or irregular heartbeats that aren't effectively transmitting to the peripheral arteries.

Choice B rationale:

Calculate the client's pulse for 30 seconds and multiply by 2. Rationale: While calculating the pulse rate for 30 seconds and then multiplying by 2 is a valid method to determine the heart rate, it doesn't address the specific concern of a pulse deficit. This approach might help in assessing the overall heart rate but doesn't provide information about potential irregularities or discrepancies between peripheral and central pulses.

Choice C rationale:

Assist the client to a side-lying position. Rationale: Assisting the client to a side-lying position doesn't directly relate to the assessment of a pulse deficit. The position of the client wouldn't significantly impact the assessment of irregular heart rates or pulse deficits.

Choice D rationale:

Auscultate the area of the client's chest over the Erb's point. Rationale: Auscultating the area of the client's chest over the Erb's point is a technique used to assess heart sounds, particularly the S2 heart sound. This technique is not relevant to assessing a pulse deficit. It can provide information about heart valve function but doesn't help in evaluating a discrepancy between peripheral and central pulses.