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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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Dementia is characterized by progressive memory impairment, including difficulty remembering recent events, names, and familiar faces. This memory loss can significantly impact the client's ability to perform daily tasks independently.
While dementia is typically a chronic and progressive condition, it is not uncommon for individuals with dementia to experience acute episodes of confusion, often referred to as "sundowning." These episodes tend to occur in the late afternoon or evening and can involve increased agitation, restlessness, and disorientation.
Illusions are perceptual distortions where a person misinterprets real sensory stimuli. In dementia, individuals may experience illusions, such as mistaking a coat hanging on a door for a person or misinterpreting shadows as threatening figures.
Catatonia, characterized by immobility and unresponsiveness, is not typically associated with dementia. It is more commonly seen in conditions such as schizophrenia or certain neurological disorders.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Applying pressure with gauze helps to control bleeding and promote clotting.
The other statements are not accurate or appropriate for circumcision care:
A. "I will apply antibiotic ointment to my baby's penis" is not recommended for Plastibell circumcision. The use of antibiotic ointment is not typically necessary or recommended unless specifically advised by the healthcare provider.
C. "I will wipe away yellow crusts that form around the incision" should not be done as it may disrupt the healing process. Yellow crusts are a normal part of the healing process and should be left undisturbed.
D. "I will make sure that my baby's diaper is applied snugly" is unrelated to circumcision care. While proper diapering is important for maintaining hygiene, it does not specifically address the care of the circumcision site.
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