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?

The correct answer is choice d. Privately interview the client about the injuries.

Choice A rationale:

Contacting the family regarding the client’s condition might not be appropriate if the family is suspected of being involved in the abuse. It could potentially put the client at further risk.

Choice B rationale:

Notifying risk management is important for documentation and internal review, but it does not directly address the immediate need to assess and ensure the client’s safety.

Choice C rationale:

Informing the transferring agency of the client’s condition is necessary for continuity of care, but it does not address the immediate need to investigate the cause of the injuries and ensure the client’s safety.

Choice D rationale:

Privately interviewing the client about the injuries allows the nurse to gather more information about the cause of the injuries in a safe and confidential manner. This step is crucial in assessing the situation and determining if further action, such as reporting to authorities, is needed. It ensures the client’s safety and helps in identifying any potential abuse.

Choice A rationale:

The described cardiac rhythm with a wavy baseline, no distinguishable P waves, and an increased heart rate is consistent with atrial fibrillation. In atrial fibrillation, the atria quiver instead of contracting effectively, leading to an irregular and often rapid heart rate. This rhythm is characterized by the absence of distinct P waves on the ECG.

Choice B rationale:

Ventricular asystole is a flatline on the ECG, indicating the absence of electrical activity in the heart. It is a life-threatening arrhythmia and requires immediate intervention with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) protocols.

Choice C rationale:

Second-degree heart block is characterized by intermittent failure of atrial electrical impulses to conduct to the ventricles. This results in occasional dropped beats and a varying heart rate. It is not consistent with the described ECG findings in the question.

Choice D rationale:

Sinus tachycardia is a regular, fast heart rate originating from the sinoatrial (SA) node. In sinus tachycardia, P waves are present, indicating that the electrical impulses originate in the SA node. The described ECG findings do not match the characteristics of sinus tachycardia.