A nurse is caring for a client who has expressive aphasia. Which of the following techniques should the nurse use to meet the communication needs of this client?

A. Check the client's medical records to see which medications were recently administered:
While reviewing medications is important for understanding potential causes of hypoxia, it is not the immediate priority when a client’s oxygen saturation is low. Immediate assessment and intervention to improve oxygenation come first.

B. Notify the charge nurse of the client's condition: Notifying the charge nurse is important but should follow an initial assessment and attempt to address the problem. Immediate client reassessment takes precedence to determine the current status and possible interventions.

C. Review the client's most recent SaO2 level in the medical record: Checking prior oxygen saturation levels can provide context but does not directly address the acute finding of 88% saturation, which requires prompt evaluation and action.

D. Recheck the client's SaO2 level after having the client cough and clear their throat: This action directly addresses a common cause of transient hypoxia such as airway obstruction from secretions. Reassessment after clearing the airway is the priority to determine if oxygenation improves before escalating interventions.

A. Ensure the oxygen delivery system is at least 8 feet from any heat source: Oxygen is flammable, and this safety measure helps prevent fire hazards in the home environment.

B. Store the oxygen cylinder wrench with the oxygen tank: Keeping the wrench with the tank ensures quick and easy access in case the oxygen needs to be turned on or off during an emergency.

C. Adjust the oxygen flow rate as needed to ease breathing: Clients should never adjust oxygen flow independently; flow rate changes must be prescribed and monitored by the healthcare provider to prevent complications like oxygen toxicity or hypoventilation.

D. Take antibiotic medication with or without food: This varies by antibiotic. Cefazolin, for example, was given IV in the hospital, and the oral form prescribed for home use might require food to reduce GI side effects; instructions should be drug-specific.

E. Take steroid medication in the morning: Steroids mimic the body’s natural cortisol rhythm; taking them in the morning minimizes insomnia and other endocrine side effects.

F. Decrease the steroid dose each day: Steroid tapering must follow a specific provider-prescribed regimen. Improper tapering can lead to adrenal insufficiency or withdrawal symptoms.

G. Take antibiotics for 10 days: Completing the full antibiotic course, even if symptoms improve, helps prevent antibiotic resistance and ensures complete eradication of the infection.