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
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Stressors can be categorized as external or internal. External stressors are factors or events in the environment that can cause stress.
In this case, the recent move to a new city is an external stressor because it is an event that has occurred outside of the client and is influencing their current state of stress. Moving to a new city can bring about significant changes and challenges, such as adjusting to a new environment, finding new social connections, and adapting to unfamiliar surroundings.
B. Feeling depressed is an internal stressor because it relates to the client's emotional state or mental health condition. Depression can be caused by various factors, such as biochemical imbalances, life circumstances, or genetic predispositions.
C. Lack of nutritional knowledge: This is an internal stressor because it refers to the client's lack of knowledge or awareness regarding nutrition. While the lack of nutritional knowledge can contribute to stress, it is an internal factor that can be addressed through education and learning.
D. While recurring urinary tract infections can be stressful for the client, they are considered an internal stressor because they involve a physical condition or health issue within the client's body. Addressing and managing the infections would involve medical interventions and possibly lifestyle modifications.
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