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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Orthostatic hypotension, which is a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing, can be a side effect of enalapril and may lead to syncope. Instructing the client to rise slowly from a sitting to a standing position helps minimize the risk of a sudden drop in blood pressure and decreases the chances of syncope occurring.
Decreasing fluid intake is not likely to be the cause of syncope related to enalapril. It is important for clients to maintain adequate hydration, especially if they are experiencing side effects such as orthostatic hypotension.
While a low pulse rate may indicate bradycardia, it is not the primary concern in this situation. Orthostatic hypotension leading to syncope is the main issue, and the client should be instructed to rise slowly to prevent it.
While enalapril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that can increase potassium levels in the blood, it is not directly related to syncope. Dietary changes should be made under the guidance of a healthcare provider based on individual needs and blood test results.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Budesonide is a corticosteroid inhaler used for long-term management of asthma. It helps to reduce inflammation and prevent asthma symptoms. Rinsing the mouth and gargling with water after using a corticosteroid inhaler can help reduce the risk of developing oral thrush, a fungal infection.
The other statements are incorrect and indicate a misunderstanding of the teaching:
"I will take my inhaler treatment before each meal and at bedtime": Budesonide is not typically used before meals or at bedtime. It is usually taken on a regular schedule, as prescribed by the healthcare provider, to provide long-term control of asthma symptoms.
Using the inhaler before exercising is important because physical activity can trigger asthma symptoms in some individuals. By using the inhaler before exercise, the client can help prevent exercise-induced asthma symptoms. However, this depends on the degree of difficulty of the exercise.
"I should use my inhaler when I have an asthma attack": Budesonide is not a rescue inhaler for immediate relief of asthma symptoms during an asthma attack. It is a controlled medication meant to be used regularly to prevent symptoms from occurring.
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