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, shortness of breath, and a respiratory rate of 24/min.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Instruct the client to cough every 4 hr.
Encourage the client to ambulate to loosen secretions.
Increase the client's intake of oral fluids.
Maintain the client in high-Fowler's position.
The Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. Maintain the client in high-Flower’s position
Crackles in the bases of the lungs, shortness of breath, and an increased respiratory rate are signs of pulmonary congestion, which is commonly seen in heart failure. Maintaining the client in a high-Fowler's position, with the head of the bed elevated to a 45-60-degree angle, helps reduce venous return to the heart, decreases fluid accumulation in the lungs, and improves breathing comfort for the client.
The other options are not appropriate actions for the client's condition:
Instructing the client to cough every 4 hours in (option A) is not the priority action in this situation. Coughing may not effectively address the underlying cause of pulmonary congestion and may not provide immediate relief for the client.
Encouraging the client to ambulate to loosen secretions in (option B) is not the priority action in this situation. While ambulation can be beneficial for overall health, the client's symptoms of pulmonary congestion require immediate attention to improve respiratory status.
Increasing the client's intake of oral fluids in (option C) is not the priority action in this situation. While maintaining adequate hydration is important, excessive fluid intake can worsen the symptoms of heart failure and contribute to further fluid accumulation in the lungs.
Therefore, the nurse should maintain the client in high-Fowler's position (option D) to promote optimal lung function and improve breathing comfort. It is important to promptly notify the healthcare provider of the client's condition for further assessment and intervention.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Explanation
C.I should check my heart rate while taking the medication
Timolol is a medication commonly prescribed for the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma, which is a chronic eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure
hacking the heart rate while taking timolol eye drops is important. Timolol belongs to a class of medications called beta-blockers, which can have systemic effects. These medications can enter the bloodstream and potentially affect heart rate and blood pressure. Monitoring the heart rate can help assess for any potential adverse effects of the medication.
Taking a zinc supplement in (option A) is not correct because it is not typically necessary while taking timolol eye drops. Zinc supplementation is not a direct requirement or related to the use of timolol for glaucoma treatment. The client should follow their healthcare provider's instructions regarding medication use and potential dietary modifications, but zinc supplementation is not specifically associated with timolol.
Timolol eye drops in (option B) is not correct because it does not darken the colour of the eyes. The purpose of timolol eye drops is to reduce intraocular pressure by decreasing the production of fluid in the eye. Eye colour changes are not known effects of timolol eye drops.
Timolol eye drops in (option D) is incorrect because it does not dilate the eyes. In fact, they work by reducing intraocular pressure, not by dilating the eyes. Eye dilation is typically achieved with the use of specific eye drops called mydriatics or with the use of specialized ophthalmic instruments during an eye examination.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The client's symptoms of feeling dizzy, having a racing heart, and becoming pale while lying on their back are consistent with supine hypotension syndrome, also known as vena cava syndrome. This occurs when the weight of the uterus compresses the inferior vena cava, reducing blood flow and causing symptoms.
To address this issue, the nurse should Position the client on their left side. Lying on the left side helps relieve the pressure on the inferior vena cava and improves blood flow. This can alleviate the symptoms and prevent further complications.
Instructing the client to take a brisk walk is not appropriate in this situation, as it may exacerbate the symptoms by increasing heart rate and potentially causing further dizziness or fainting. Checking the client's temperature is not necessary in relation to these symptoms, as they are not indicative of a fever or infection.
Providing the client with a glass of orange juice may be helpful in some situations, such as if the client is experiencing hypoglycemia. However, in this case, the symptoms are likely due to supine hypotension syndrome, and repositioning the client is the priority intervention.
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