A nurse is performing initial planning for a client who has been admitted with pneumonia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Choice A reason:

The client will have no signs of infection in the wound by day 7. This is an appropriate outcome because it indicates that the wound is healing properly and that the client is receiving adequate wound care and infection prevention measures. Infection can delay wound healing and increase the risk of complications.

Choice B reason:

The client will report pain level of 4/10 or less during dressing changes. This is not an appropriate outcome because it does not address the wound healing process or the prevention of further skin breakdown. Pain management is important for the client's comfort and quality of life, but it is not a specific goal for pressure ulcer care.

Choice C reason:

The client will consume at least 75% of meals and snacks daily. This is an appropriate outcome because it indicates that the client is receiving adequate nutrition to support wound healing. Nutrition plays a vital role in tissue integrity and repair, and the client should consume enough calories, protein, and micronutrients to meet their needs.

Choice D reason:

The client will reposition self in bed every 2 hours with assistance. This is not an appropriate outcome because it does not reflect the current evidence-based practice for pressure ulcer prevention and treatment. Repositioning should be done more frequently than every 2 hours, and the frequency should be individualized based on the client's risk factors, skin condition, comfort, and support surfaces.

Choice E reason:

The client will demonstrate proper wound care technique before discharge. This is an appropriate outcome because it indicates that the client has learned how to care for their wound at home and prevent further skin breakdown. Wound care education is essential for the client's self-management and adherence to the treatment plan.

Choice A reason:

Assessing the client's vital signs, oxygen saturation, and respiratory status is the first action the nurse should take because it provides baseline data on the client's condition and helps to identify any urgent needs or complications. This is consistent with the principle of prioritizing assessment before intervention and following the ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation) of emergency care.

Choice B reason:

Educating the client about the disease process and preventive measures is an important action, but not the first one. The nurse should assess the client's learning needs, readiness, and preferences before providing education. Education is also a lower priority than addressing any immediate threats to the client's health or safety.

Choice C reason:

Collaborating with the physician to prescribe antibiotics and bronchodilators is an appropriate action for a client with pneumonia, but not the first one. The nurse should assess the client's condition and obtain relevant laboratory and diagnostic tests before initiating pharmacological interventions. The nurse should also follow the physician's orders and the facility's policies and protocols when administering medications.

Choice D reason:

Setting goals and outcomes for the client's recovery and discharge is a necessary step in the nursing process, but not the first one. The nurse should assess the client's current status, needs, preferences, and resources before planning care. The nurse should also involve the client and family in setting realistic and measurable goals and outcomes.