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?
Increase the client's intake of oral fluids.
Instruct the client to cough every 4 hr.
Maintain the client in high-Fowler's position.
Encourage the client to ambulate to loosen secretions.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Increasing the client's intake of oral fluids may not address the underlying issue of crackles in the bases of the lungs, shortness of breath, and a respiratory rate of 24/min. This client likely has fluid accumulation in the lungs, and simply increasing fluid intake could exacerbate the problem. It's important to assess and manage the client's fluid balance carefully.
Choice B rationale:
Instructing the client to cough every 4 hours may not be sufficient for managing the client's symptoms, especially if there is fluid in the lungs. Coughing alone may not adequately clear the airways. More intensive interventions are needed.
Choice C rationale:
The correct action is to "Maintain the client in high-Fowler's position." High-Fowler's position helps improve lung expansion and oxygenation by allowing the client to sit up at an angle, which reduces pressure on the diaphragm and improves lung mechanics. This position can help alleviate symptoms such as crackles and shortness of breath in clients with heart failure.
Choice D rationale:
Encouraging the client to ambulate to loosen secretions may not be appropriate in this case. Ambulation is generally encouraged for clients with adequate oxygenation and mobility. If the client has severe respiratory distress, it's crucial to address that issue first before considering ambulation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
While vitamin D is essential for bone health and wound healing, it is not the primary nutrient to focus on in this case. Protein plays a crucial role in wound healing because it is necessary for tissue repair and the production of collagen, which is essential for wound closure.
Choice B rationale:
Increasing protein intake is the correct choice. Proteins are the building blocks of tissue repair and wound healing. Adequate protein intake is essential for promoting the healing of open wounds.
Choice C rationale:
Calcium is important for bone health but is not the primary nutrient to address in this situation. Calcium is not directly involved in wound healing processes.
Choice D rationale:
Fats are necessary for overall health, but they do not have a direct role in wound healing. Protein intake is more critical in this context to promote tissue repair and healing.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E","F","G"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Performing a vaginal examination every 12 hours is not necessary in this case. The client is not in labor and there are no indications of any complications that would require frequent vaginal examinations.
Choice B rationale:
The client’s symptoms of severe headache, +3 pitting edema in bilateral lower extremities, and a patellar reflex of 4+ without the presence of clonus are indicative of severe preeclampsia. Antihypertensive medications are often used to manage high blood pressure in preeclampsia.
Choice C rationale:
Betamethasone is a corticosteroid that is given to pregnant women who are at risk of delivering prematurely to help mature the baby’s lungs. Given that the client is at 31 weeks of gestation and has had a previous preterm birth, administering betamethasone would be appropriate.
Choice D rationale:
A low-stimulation environment can help reduce blood pressure and prevent seizures in clients with preeclampsia.
Choice E rationale:
Bed rest can help lower blood pressure and improve blood flow to the placenta, which can be beneficial for the baby.
Choice F rationale:
Monitoring intake and output every hour can help assess kidney function, which can be affected by preeclampsia.
Choice G rationale:
A 24-hour urine specimen can provide information about protein levels in the urine, which can indicate the severity of preeclampsia. It’s important to note that normal ranges for lab parameters can vary slightly depending on the lab, but generally, protein levels in a 24-hour urine specimen should be less than 300 mg. Pitting edema is usually graded on a scale of 1+ (mild) to 4+ (severe), and a patellar reflex of 4+ is considered hyperactive and may indicate nervous system hyperexcitability seen in severe preeclampsia or eclampsia.
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