A nurse is caring for a client who has pneumonia.
The client’s oxygen saturation is 85%. What is the first action the nurse should take?
Increase the client’s oral fluid intake.
Initiate humidification therapy.
Raise the head of the bed.
Encourage the client to cough and deep breath.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Increasing the client’s oral fluid intake is not the immediate action the nurse should take. While hydration is important, it does not directly address the client’s low oxygen saturation.
Choice B rationale
Initiating humidification therapy can help to thin secretions and improve oxygenation, but it is not the immediate action the nurse should take.
Choice C rationale
Raising the head of the bed is the first action the nurse should take. This position can help to improve lung expansion and oxygenation.
Choice D rationale
Encouraging the client to cough and deep breath can help to clear secretions and improve oxygenation, but it is not the immediate action the nurse should take.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While it’s true that a nasal cannula allows the patient to remove it for a while when it gets uncomfortable, this is not the primary reason for using a nasal cannula. The main purpose of a nasal cannula is to deliver oxygen.
Choice B rationale
A nasal cannula delivers the low concentration of oxygen that the patient needs. It is designed to provide a specific amount of oxygen, and the flow rate can be adjusted as needed.
Choice C rationale
While a nasal cannula does deliver a specific concentration of oxygen, it does not do so constantly. The amount of oxygen delivered can vary depending on the patient’s breathing rate and depth.
Choice D rationale
A nasal cannula does not deliver the highest concentration of oxygen possible. Other devices, such as non-rebreather masks, can deliver higher concentrations of oxygen.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Pursed-lip breathing can help improve oxygenation and reduce shortness of breath in clients with COPD. However, it is not the priority action when a client reports difficulty breathing.
Choice B rationale
Increasing the oxygen flow rate without a physician’s order can lead to oxygen toxicity or suppress the respiratory drive in clients with COPD. Therefore, this is not the priority action.
Choice C rationale
Coughing and expectorating secretions can help clear the airways, but it is not the priority action when a client reports difficulty breathing.
Choice D rationale
Evaluating the client’s respiratory status is the priority action. The nurse should assess the client’s breath sounds, respiratory rate, use of accessory muscles, and oxygen saturation to determine the severity of the client’s difficulty breathing and guide further interventions.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.