A nurse is caring for an adolescent client who has cystic fibrosis.
Which of the following actions should the nurse instruct the client to take prior to initiating postural drainage?

Choice A rationale:

Encouraging fluid intake of 2,500 mL/day is the correct choice for a client with a fever due to an infection. Adequate hydration is essential in managing fever as it helps to prevent dehydration, maintain electrolyte balance, and support the body's immune response. Increasing fluid intake, preferably water, can also aid in lowering body temperature and promoting overall comfort.

Choice B rationale:

Maintaining the environmental temperature at 16°C to 18°C (60°F to 65°F) is not an appropriate intervention for a client with a fever. While it's essential to keep the client comfortable, adjusting the room temperature within a specific range is not the primary intervention. Focus should be on managing the fever through hydration, antipyretic medications, and addressing the underlying infection.

Choice C rationale:

Immersing the client in cold water is not a recommended intervention for managing fever. Cold water immersion can lead to shock, vasoconstriction, and potentially worsen the condition. It is essential to use methods like tepid sponging or cooling blankets if necessary, but these interventions should be performed under healthcare provider guidance and monitoring.

Choice D rationale:

Assisting the client to ambulate is a general nursing care activity and does not specifically address the fever due to infection. While ambulation is encouraged for many patients to prevent complications related to immobility, it is not the primary intervention for managing fever. The focus should be on hydration and other appropriate measures to reduce fever.

Choice A rationale:

Crackles in the lungs are a common manifestation of heart failure. Heart failure can cause fluid accumulation in the lungs, leading to crackles upon auscultation. This finding is due to pulmonary congestion and is indicative of heart failure exacerbation.

Choice B rationale:

Decreased thirst is not a typical manifestation of heart failure. In fact, patients with heart failure often experience increased thirst due to fluid shifts and increased blood volume, leading to increased urine output and dehydration.

Choice C rationale:

Poor skin turgor is not a specific manifestation of heart failure. Skin turgor is commonly assessed to determine hydration status, but it is not directly related to heart failure.

Choice D rationale:

Tachycardia (rapid heart rate) is a common manifestation of heart failure. The heart beats faster to compensate for its decreased pumping efficiency. Tachycardia helps maintain cardiac output, but it is not a primary cause of heart failure; instead, it is a physiological response to the condition.