A nurse is caring for an adult client.

Exhibits

The nurse should determine the assessment findings are consistent with which of the following disease processes?

For each assessment finding, click to specify if the assessment finding is consistent with laryngotracheobronchitis (LTB), epiglottitis, or foreign body aspiration. Each finding may support more than 1 disease process.

A. Limit oral fluids to minimize labored breathing: This action is not appropriate, as adequate hydration is important for thinning mucus secretions, making it easier for the client to expectorate them. Limiting fluids could lead to thicker secretions, which may worsen the client’s respiratory distress and increase the difficulty of clearing secretions. Therefore, this approach is not suitable for a client with pneumonia and respiratory compromise.
B. Perform pursed-lip breathing to expel trapped carbon dioxide from the alveoli: While pursed-lip breathing can help with exhalation and improve oxygenation, it does not directly address the need to mobilize and clear copious secretions. This technique is beneficial in managing dyspnea and improving ventilation but is not the priority action when the client has significant secretions that need to be cleared.
C. Lie in a low Fowler's position to promote lung expansion: A low Fowler's position (30 degrees) is less effective for promoting lung expansion compared to higher Fowler's positions. Semi-Fowler's (30-45 degrees) or high Fowler's (greater than 45 degrees) positions are more beneficial for improving lung expansion and facilitating breathing in clients with respiratory distress. Therefore, this option does not provide the most effective intervention for the client's condition.
D. Perform hourly incentive spirometry to inflate lungs and mobilize secretions: This is the priority action for the nurse to encourage, as incentive spirometry is specifically designed to help inflate the lungs and improve lung function. It promotes deep breathing, which can enhance ventilation, prevent atelectasis, and facilitate the mobilization of secretions. Regular use of incentive spirometry is essential in managing pneumonia and can significantly improve respiratory outcomes for the client.

A. When asked about your strengths and weaknesses, focus primarily on your strengths. While highlighting strengths is important, interviewers also value self-awareness and the ability to recognize areas for improvement. Providing a well-balanced answer that includes a genuine weakness and how you are working to improve it demonstrates professionalism and a growth mindset.
B. Ask questions about the salary. While salary is an important consideration, bringing it up too early in the interview may give the impression that financial compensation is the primary concern. It is generally best to wait until the employer brings up salary or discuss it once a job offer has been extended.
C. Place your portfolio containing your resume on the interviewer's desk. Offering a resume or portfolio when asked is appropriate, but placing it on the interviewer’s desk without being invited to do so may come across as overly assertive. A more professional approach is to hand over documents when requested or when relevant to the discussion.
D. Ask questions about the position and the facility. Asking thoughtful questions about the role, work environment, team structure, and opportunities for growth shows genuine interest in the position. It also helps the candidate assess whether the job aligns with their professional goals. Engaging in meaningful dialogue makes a positive impression on the interviewer.