A nurse is caring for a school-age child who is postoperative and received morphine via IV bolus for pain 10 min ago.

Which of the following findings is the nurse’s priority?

The correct answer is choice C, malaise.

Malaise is a general feeling of discomfort, weakness, or illness that can be a sign of infection. According to the health search result from Focus Medica , bacterial pneumonia is an infection of the air sacs in one or both lungs that causes symptoms such as cough with phlegm, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.

Malaise is one of the symptoms that may follow these signs of infection.

Choice A, drooling, is wrong because it is not a typical symptom of bacterial pneumonia.

Drooling can be caused by other conditions, such as sore throat, dental problems, or neurological disorders.

Choice B, tinnitus, is wrong because it is not a symptom of bacterial pneumonia either.

Tinnitus is a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears that can be caused by exposure to loud noise, ear infections, or other ear problems.

Choice D, rhinorrhea, is wrong because it is not specific to bacterial pneumonia.

Rhinorrhea is a runny nose that can be caused by many factors, such as allergies, colds, or sinus infections.

Rhinorrhea can sometimes occur with viral pneumonia, but not usually with bacterial pneumonia.

The correct answer is choice B. Use an ibuterol inhaler.

Choice A rationale:

Completing oral hygiene is important for overall health, but it is not specifically related to the preparation for postural drainage in cystic fibrosis patients. Postural drainage is a technique used to clear mucus from the lungs, and oral hygiene does not directly affect this process.

Choice B rationale:

Using a bronchodilator, such as an ibuterol inhaler, is recommended before postural drainage because it helps to open the airways, making the drainage process more effective. Bronchodilators are often used to relax the muscles around the airways, which can become constricted in conditions like cystic fibrosis.

Choice C rationale:

Taking pancrelipase is related to aiding digestion in cystic fibrosis patients who have pancreatic insufficiency. While it is an important part of the overall management of cystic fibrosis, it is not directly related to the preparation for postural drainage.

Choice D rationale:

Eating a meal before postural drainage is not recommended because a full stomach can make the process uncomfortable and less effective. It is generally advised to perform postural drainage on an empty stomach to ensure that the mucus can be cleared from the lungs more easily.