A nurse is caring for a client who has pneumonia. The client's oxygen saturation is 88%. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Initiate humidification therapy.
Encourage the client to cough and deep breathe.
Increase the client's oral fluid intake.
Raise the head of the bed.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Initiating humidification therapy can be beneficial for a client with pneumonia. Humidified air can help loosen respiratory secretions, making them easier to expectorate. However, while this intervention is helpful, it is not typically the first action a nurse should take. The priority is to address the client's immediate need for adequate oxygenation and ventilation.
Choice B reason: Encouraging the client to cough and perform deep breathing exercises is an essential part of care for patients with pneumonia. These actions help to clear mucus from the lungs and improve ventilation. Deep breathing helps to fully expand the alveoli, which can be compromised in pneumonia, and coughing helps to expel secretions that may be blocking the airways. However, this is not the most immediate action when the oxygen saturation is borderline normal.
Choice C reason: Increasing the client's oral fluid intake is important in the management of pneumonia. Adequate hydration thins respiratory secretions, making them easier to clear. It also supports overall bodily functions, which can be taxed during illness. Nonetheless, this intervention is not the most critical initial step in managing a client's immediate respiratory needs.
Choice D reason: Raising the head of the bed is the correct and immediate action to take for a client with pneumonia and an oxygen saturation of 88%. This position helps to improve chest expansion, promotes better lung aeration, and facilitates easier breathing. It also reduces the risk of aspiration, which is particularly important in clients with pneumonia. Elevating the head of the bed is a simple yet effective way to enhance oxygenation and should be the first step taken.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: While providing a newborn's first bath, there is minimal risk of exposure to infectious fluids that would necessitate eye protection. However, standard precautions should always be followed.
Choice B reason: When giving personal care to an infant who is HIV-positive, standard precautions should be followed, which includes wearing gloves. Eye protection is not typically required unless there is a risk of splashing bodily fluids.
Choice C reason: Suctioning secretions from a child's newly placed tracheostomy tube requires eye protection because there is a high risk of secretions being expelled forcefully, which could contact the mucous membranes of the eyes.
Choice D reason: Withdrawing cord blood from a neonate generally does not require eye protection unless there is a risk of blood splatter. Standard precautions, including the use of gloves, should be sufficient.
Choice E reason: Transporting a cerebrospinal fluid specimen to the laboratory does not require the nurse to wear eye protection. However, the nurse should ensure that the specimen is sealed properly to prevent any leaks.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Expecting the client to express pain both verbally and nonverbally is important in postoperative care. Pain expression is subjective and can vary greatly among individuals. Some clients may verbalize their discomfort, while others may exhibit nonverbal cues such as grimacing, restlessness, or guarding the affected area. It is crucial for nurses to be attentive to all forms of pain expression to assess and manage the client's pain effectively.
Choice B reason: Administering opioids with caution is a standard practice due to the risk of addiction; however, the statement that they will eventually lead to addiction is misleading. Opioids, when used appropriately and under medical supervision, are an effective component of postoperative pain management. The risk of addiction is present but can be mitigated through careful monitoring, patient education, and using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary.
Choice C reason: Administering analgesics orally for fast-acting pain relief is a common practice, especially when immediate onset is not required. Oral administration is non-invasive and convenient, but it is not the fastest method for pain relief compared to intravenous administration. The choice of analgesic and the route of administration should be based on the client's pain level, type of surgery, and individual needs.
Choice D reason: Using a pain scale from 0 to 10 is an effective way to monitor the severity of the client's pain. This method provides a quantifiable measure of pain intensity, allowing for consistent assessment and facilitating communication between the client and healthcare providers. It helps in evaluating the effectiveness of pain management interventions and in making necessary adjustments to the pain management plan.
Choice E reason: Considering the client's individual expression of pain is essential in postoperative care. Pain is a personal experience, and what may be tolerable for one person could be unbearable for another. Factors such as cultural background, previous pain experiences, psychological state, and the presence of comorbidities can influence pain perception. Tailoring pain management strategies to the individual's needs and preferences is key to effective pain control.
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