A nurse is caring for an older patient admitted with mild dehydration. What advice should the nurse give to best address this issue?

Choice A rationale:
Incorrect. Deep-breathing exercises could potentially worsen stridor. Stridor is a high-pitched, wheezing sound caused by a partial obstruction of the upper airway. Deep breathing can increase airflow through the narrowed airway, making the stridor more pronounced and potentially worsening the obstruction. In severe cases, it could lead to complete airway obstruction and respiratory distress.
Risk of aggravation: Deep-breathing exercises could aggravate the underlying cause of stridor, such as laryngeal edema or vocal cord dysfunction, by increasing inflammation or muscle tension in the airway.
Delay in definitive treatment: Focusing on deep-breathing exercises might delay more definitive interventions, such as intubation, which might be necessary to secure the airway and prevent respiratory failure.
Choice B rationale:
Incorrect. While albuterol nebulizer therapy can be helpful for bronchospasm, it is not the first-line treatment for stridor. Stridor is typically caused by an upper airway obstruction, and albuterol primarily targets the lower airways (bronchioles).
Limited effectiveness: Albuterol might not be effective in reducing stridor caused by upper airway obstruction, as it does not directly address the narrowing of the airway.
Potential for adverse effects: Albuterol can cause tachycardia, tremors, and anxiety, which could further complicate the patient's condition.
Choice C rationale:
Not the most immediate action. While calling a Rapid Response might be necessary if the patient's condition deteriorates, the first priority is to secure the airway and ensure adequate ventilation.
Time-consuming: Activating a Rapid Response team can take several minutes, and the patient's condition might not allow for that delay.
Choice D rationale:
Prioritizes airway management: Intubation is the most effective way to secure the airway and ensure adequate ventilation in a patient with stridor. It bypasses the obstruction and allows for controlled delivery of oxygen and ventilation.
Addresses potential for deterioration: Stridor can rapidly progress to complete airway obstruction, so prompt preparation for intubation is crucial to prevent respiratory failure.
Involves the primary healthcare provider: Consulting the primary health care provider ensures timely decision-making, appropriate medication administration (such as sedatives or paralytics for intubation), and coordination of care.

The correct answer is Choice B.

Choice A rationale: Massaging the site with scented oils is not recommended as it may further irritate the inflamed tissue. Additionally, scented oils can cause allergic reactions or skin irritation, worsening the client's discomfort.

Choice B rationale: Applying warm compresses to the site increases blood flow, reduces inflammation, and provides pain relief. Warm compresses also promote healing by improving circulation and reducing edema, making them an appropriate intervention for phlebitis.

Choice C rationale: Administering topical lidocaine to the site is generally not recommended without a prescription. Although it may provide localized pain relief, it can mask underlying issues and delay appropriate medical assessment and treatment.

Choice D rationale: Administering prescribed oral pain medication can provide systemic pain relief. However, it may not be as effective as a localized treatment for reducing inflammation and discomfort at the site of the peripheral vascular access device.