A nurse is collecting data from a client who has heart failure. The nurse notes the client has crackles in the bases of the lungs and a respiratory rate of 24/min. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Increase the client's intake of oral fluids.
Instruct the client to cough every 4 hr.
Encourage the client to ambulate to loosen secretions.
Maintain the client in high-Fowler's position.
The Correct Answer is D
The client's crackles in the bases of the lungs and an increased respiratory rate indicate the presence of fluid accumulation in the lungs, which is commonly seen in clients with heart failure. Maintaining the client in a high Fowler's position helps to promote optimal lung expansion and ventilation by reducing the pressure on the diaphragm, allowing for improved breathing mechanics and enhanced oxygenation.
Increasing the client's intake of oral fluids: While maintaining hydration is generally important, increasing oral fluids may not directly address the issue of fluid accumulation in the lungs. The priority in this situation is to optimize the client's respiratory function.
Instructing the client to cough every 4 hours: Coughing alone may not be sufficient to resolve the fluid accumulation. The underlying cause of the crackles and increased respiratory rate in heart failure is fluid congestion, which requires more comprehensive management.
Encouraging the client to ambulate to loosen secretions: While ambulation is generally beneficial for clients with heart failure, it may not directly address the fluid accumulation in the lungs. Ambulation can help improve overall cardiovascular function and fluid balance, but in the presence of acute respiratory distress or significant fluid overload, the client may not be able to tolerate or benefit from ambulation immediately.
In addition to maintaining the client in a high-Fowler's position, the nurse should also collaborate with the healthcare provider to initiate appropriate interventions, such as administering diuretic medications to help remove excess fluid and improve respiratory status. Monitoring the client's oxygen saturation, providing supplemental oxygen as needed, and assessing other vital signs are also important aspects of care in managing heart failure-related respiratory symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
Provide the client with written information about advance directives: It is important for the nurse to educate the client about advance directives, their purpose, and how they can make informed decisions about their healthcare.
Instruct the client that an advance directive is a legal document and must be honored by care providers: The nurse should explain to the client that an advance directive is a legally binding document that guides healthcare decisions, and it must be respected and followed by healthcare providers.
Communicate advance directives status via the medical record and shift report: The nurse should ensure that the client's advance directives status is accurately documented in the medical record and communicated to other members of the healthcare team during shift handoffs. This helps ensure that the client's wishes are known and respected by all involved in their care.
Initiate a power of attorney for a healthcare document: The nurse can assist the client in initiating a power of attorney for a healthcare document if the client wishes to appoint someone as their healthcare proxy or agent. This document designates someone to make medical decisions on behalf of the client if they become unable to do so.
The other options listed are not appropriate or accurate in relation to the responsibilities of the nurse regarding advance directives:
- Document that the provider discussed do-not-resuscitate status with the client: While discussing do-not-resuscitate (DNR) status may be part of the advance care planning process, it is not directly related to advance directives as a whole.
- Inform the client that an advance directive discontinues further care: This statement is incorrect and misleading. An advance directive does not automatically discontinue care but rather guides the provision of care according to the client's wishes.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Quoting client comments verbatim in the documentation should be avoided. Instead, the nurse should summarize or paraphrase the relevant information provided by the client. This helps to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in the documentation process.
Documenting giving a dose of pain medication just prior to administration: Documentation should accurately reflect the timing and administration of medications. It is not appropriate to document giving a dose of medication just prior to administering it, as it would not provide an accurate account of the client's care. The medication administration should be documented after it has been given.
Limiting documentation to subjective information: Documentation should include both objective and subjective information. Objective information refers to measurable and observable data, while subjective information represents the client's thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Including both types of information provides a comprehensive view of the client's condition and the care provided.
Documenting information telephoned in by a nurse who left the unit for the day: Documentation should only include information that has been directly observed or obtained by the nurse providing care. It is not appropriate to document information telephoned in by a nurse who is not present and available to verify or provide additional details. Each nurse should be responsible for documenting their own observations and actions.
Accurate and comprehensive documentation is crucial for maintaining continuity of care, ensuring effective communication among the healthcare team, and promoting the client's safety and well-being. Nurses should adhere to institutional policies and guidelines regarding documentation practices and prioritize accuracy, confidentiality, and professionalism in their documentation.
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