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
Explanation
Do you have any plan for harming yourself?
When a client expresses suicidal ideations, the nurse's priority is to assess whether the client has a specific plan for harming themselves. This question helps determine the level of immediate risk and guides the nurse's actions in providing appropriate interventions and ensuring the client's safety.:
Can you tell me about the stresses in your life? In (option B) is incorrect. While understanding the client's stressors is important in assessing their overall mental health, it may not be the priority question in this situation. The immediate concern is to assess the presence of a specific plan for self-harm.
Do you have someone to discuss your feelings with? In (option C) is incorrect. Having someone to talk to about feelings can be beneficial for the client, but it is not the priority question in this situation. The primary focus is to assess the client's immediate risk and take appropriate actions to ensure their safety.
Has anyone in your family ever died by suicide? In (option D) is incorrect. Family history of suicide can be a risk factor for suicidal ideation, but it is not the priority question in this scenario. Assessing the client's current risk and immediate plan for self-harm is more crucial to determine the necessary interventions.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
When a nurse encounters a client who has fallen, the immediate priority is to assess the client's condition and ensure their safety. By measuring the client's vital signs, the nurse can gather important information about the client's overall well-being, such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation. This assessment helps determine if there are any immediate medical concerns resulting from the fall, such as injury or shock, that require prompt attention.
The other options listed are also important but should be addressed after the initial assessment and safety measures:
A. Notify the client's provider: After assessing the client's condition, if there are significant injuries or concerns identified, the nurse should promptly notify the client's provider to seek further medical guidance and intervention.
C. Complete an incident report: Reporting the fall incident is an essential part of ensuring quality and safety in healthcare. However, it is not the first action the nurse should take. The immediate focus should be on the client's assessment and safety. Completing an incident report can be done once the client's immediate needs are addressed.
D. Document the fall in the client's medical record: Documenting the fall in the client's medical record is important for maintaining accurate and comprehensive documentation. However, it should be done after the client's assessment, vital sign measurement, and any necessary interventions have been carried out.
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