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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Wearing shoes with rubber soles can minimize noise and provide a quieter environment for the clients. It helps reduce disruptions caused by footsteps, especially during nighttime when clients are trying to sleep.
Conducting change-of-shift report near the clients' rooms can lead to increased noise levels and disturb clients' sleep. It is best to conduct report in a designated area away from patient rooms to minimize disruptions.
Overhead lights should be avoided during nighttime or sleep hours as they are bright and can disrupt a client's sleep. Instead, nurses should use a low-intensity light or a flashlight to check IV lines or attend to other needs. This helps minimize disruptions to the client's rest.
Opening curtains between clients in semiprivate rooms can compromise privacy and contribute to increased noise levels. It is important to provide privacy for clients, especially during their rest periods.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The presence of edema and coolness around the catheter's insertion site suggests that infiltration may have occurred. Infiltration refers to the unintended leakage of fluid into the surrounding tissues instead of flowing into the vein. It can lead to tissue damage and compromised circulation. Stopping the infusion is the initial priority to prevent further infiltration and minimize potential harm to the client.
Applying a warm compress may be appropriate to promote comfort and circulation in some cases, but it should be done after stopping the infusion and assessing the severity of the infiltration.
Documenting the infiltration is necessary for accurate record-keeping and to communicate the occurrence to the healthcare team. However, it is not the first immediate action required in this situation.
Elevating the arm can help reduce swelling and promote venous return. It can be done after stopping the infusion, but it is not the first action to address the potential infiltration.
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