A nurse is caring for a postpartum client in an outpatient setting.

Exhibits

A nurse is caring for a postpartum client in an outpatient setting.

Complete the following sentence by using the lists of options.

The client is at highest risk for developing

evidenced by the client's

Among the given assessment findings, the one that warrants the most immediate intervention by the nurse is the shortness of breath on exertion. Shortness of breath on exertion in a client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia indicates increased respiratory distress and compromised lung function. It suggests that the client is experiencing difficulty breathing even with minimal physical exertion. This finding may indicate worsening respiratory status, increased oxygen demand, and inadequate oxygenation. The nurse should take immediate action to address the shortness of breath, which may involve providing supplemental oxygen, initiating or adjusting bronchodilator medications, and monitoring the client's respiratory status closely. Prompt intervention is crucial to ensure adequate oxygenation and prevent respiratory failure.

While the other assessment findings (bilateral diffuse wheezing, temperature of 100.5 °F, and yellow expectorated sputum) are also important and require attention, the shortness of breath on exertion poses the greatest immediate risk and necessitates immediate intervention to address the client's respiratory distress.

A. Correct. Measuring gastric residual volumes every 4 hours is important to assess gastric emptying and to determine if the client can tolerate the feedings. If residuals are high, it may indicate delayed gastric emptying and the need to adjust the feeding rate.

B. Incorrect. While flushing the NG tube before and after medications is important to maintain patency, it is typically done with sterile water, not sodium chloride, unless otherwise specified by a protocol. Therefore, this statement may not be fully accurate.

C. Incorrect. The head of the bed should be elevated to a 30-45° angle to help prevent aspiration during enteral feedings.

D. Incorrect. The rate of the feeding should be advanced gradually to prevent overloading the client's gastrointestinal tract. This does not involve advancing the rate every 2 hours.