A nurse is caring for a client who reports experiencing alteration in sense of smell following surgery for a total laryngectomy. The nurse should address the client's concern through which of the following response?

Initiate a weight-based continuous heparin infusion: Continuous heparin infusion is typically used for managing or preventing thromboembolic events, such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. In this scenario, the primary concern is a pneumothorax, and there is no indication that the client requires anticoagulation therapy at this time.

Prepare client for a chest tube insertion: Given the diagnosis of a right upper lobe pneumothorax, preparing the client for chest tube insertion is essential. A chest tube is necessary to evacuate air from the pleural space, restore negative pressure, and allow for lung re-expansion, which is critical in managing a pneumothorax.

Administer an analgesic: Administering an analgesic is essential to help manage the client's pain, which is likely due to the pneumothorax. Effective pain management can help reduce anxiety and improve the client's ability to breathe comfortably.

Insert an indwelling urinary catheter: Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter is not essential in this situation. The client has voided a sufficient amount of clear yellow urine, and there is no indication of urinary retention or other complications that would require catheterization.

Initiate supplemental oxygen: Initiating supplemental oxygen is essential for the client, who is exhibiting hypoxia with a pulse oximetry reading of 85% on room air. Providing supplemental oxygen will help improve oxygenation and alleviate respiratory distress.

A. The medication will open the airways: Albuterol is a bronchodilator that works by relaxing the muscles around the airways, leading to dilation and increased airflow. This action helps to relieve symptoms of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), making it easier for the client to breathe. The nurse should emphasize that opening the airways is a primary function of albuterol, providing immediate relief during breathing difficulties.
B. The medication will stimulate the flow of mucus: Albuterol does not primarily stimulate mucus production; rather, its main role is to relax bronchial smooth muscle and open the airways. While effective airway management may lead to improved mucus clearance due to enhanced airflow, albuterol itself does not directly promote mucus secretion. Thus, this statement does not accurately describe the action of the medication.
C. The medication will decrease coughing episodes: By opening the airways and improving airflow, albuterol can help reduce coughing episodes associated with bronchospasm or airway constriction. When the airways are less constricted, the client is less likely to experience the irritative cough often seen in respiratory conditions like asthma. This is an important point for the nurse to convey to help the client understand the medication's benefits.
D. The medication will prevent wheezing: Albuterol can help prevent or relieve wheezing by relaxing the bronchial muscles and facilitating better airflow. Wheezing often occurs when the airways are narrowed or constricted, and by using albuterol, the client can experience fewer wheezing episodes during respiratory distress. The nurse should explain this aspect to reinforce the medication's role in managing asthma or COPD symptoms.
E. The medication will reduce inflammation: Albuterol is not an anti-inflammatory medication; it primarily functions as a bronchodilator. While it can improve breathing by relaxing airway muscles, it does not directly target inflammation in the airways. Inhaled corticosteroids or other anti-inflammatory medications are typically used to address inflammation. Therefore, this response does not accurately reflect the action of albuterol.