A nurse is planning care for a client who has acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?

Performing the procedure independently is the best indicator of the partner's readiness for the client's discharge, as it demonstrates competence and confidence in suctioning. Suctioning is a skill that requires practice and supervision until mastery is achieved. The nurse should observe and evaluate the partner's performance of suctioning and provide feedback and reinforcement as needed.

b) Attending a class given about tracheostomy care is a good action by the partner, but not the best indicator of readiness for the client's discharge. Attending a class can provide information and education about tracheostomy care, but it does not necessarily translate into skill acquisition or application. The nurse should assess the partner's understanding and retention of the information and provide additional teaching or clarification as needed.
c) Verbalizing all steps in the procedure is a good action by the partner, but not the best indicator of readiness for the client's discharge. Verbalizing all steps in the procedure can help the partner remember and follow the correct sequence and technique of suctioning, but it does not necessarily reflect actual performance or ability. The nurse should observe and verify that the partner is doing what they are saying and correct any errors or omissions as needed.
d) Asking appropriate questions about suctioning is a good action by the partner, but not the best indicator of readiness for the client's discharge. Asking appropriate questions about suctioning can show interest and involvement in learning and caring for the client, but it does not necessarily indicate competence or confidence in suctioning. The nurse should answer the partner's questions and provide additional resources or referrals as needed.

Increased anteroposterior diameter of the chest, also known as barrel chest, is a common finding in clients who have COPD with emphysema. It is caused by chronic air trapping and hyperinflation of the lungs, which results in fattening of the diaphragm and widening of the rib cage.

a) Oxygen saturation level 96% is within the normal range of 95% to 100% and does not indicate hypoxemia or impaired gas exchange. Clients who have COPD with emphysema typically have lower oxygen saturation levels, ranging from 88% to 92%.
b) Respiratory alkalosis is a condition in which the blood pH is elevated due to decreased carbon dioxide levels. It is caused by hyperventilation, which can occur in response to hypoxia, anxiety, or pain. Clients who have COPD with emphysema usually have respiratory acidosis, which is a condition in which the blood pH is lowered due to increased carbon dioxide levels. It is caused by hypoventilation, which results from impaired lung function and airway obstruction.
d) Petechiae on chest are small red or purple spots on the skin caused by bleeding from capillaries. They are not a typical finding in clients who have COPD with emphysema, unless they have severe coughing episodes or coagulation disorders. They can indicate infection, inflammation, trauma, or vascular disease.