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?

These responses are correct and explain how albuterol helps the client's breathing. Albuterol is a short- acting beta2-agonist that causes bronchodilation and relieves bronchospasm, which are the main causes of wheezing and dyspnea in clients who have asthma or COPD. By opening the airways, albuterol improves gas exchange and oxygenation.

b) The medication will decrease coughing episodes. This response is incorrect and does not explain how albuterol helps the client's breathing. Albuterol does not have a direct effect on coughing, which is a reflex response to irritation or obstruction of the airways. Coughing may be beneficial for clearing secretions and mucus from the lungs, but it may also cause bronchoconstriction and inflammation. The nurse should advise the client to use other measures to decrease coughing, such as drinking fluids, using a humidifier, or taking an expectorant.
c) The medication will reduce inflammation. This response is incorrect and does not explain how albuterol helps the client's breathing. Albuterol does not have an anti-inflammatory effect on the airways, which are often inflamed and swollen in clients who have asthma or COPD. Inflammation can contribute to airway obstruction and mucus production, which impair gas exchange and oxygenation. The nurse should inform the client that albuterol is used for quick relief of acute symptoms, but not for long-term control or prevention of inflammation. The client may need to use another medication, such as an inhaled corticosteroid, to reduce inflammation.
e) The medication will stimulate flow of mucus. This response is incorrect and does not explain how albuterol helps the client's breathing. Albuterol does not have a direct effect on mucus production or clearance, which are often increased in clients who have asthma or COPD. Mucus can cause airway obstruction and infection, which impair gas exchange and oxygenation. The nurse should advise the client to use other measures to stimulate flow of mucus, such as drinking fluids, using a humidifier, or taking an expectorant.

A humidifier bottle adds moisture to the oxygen, which prevents drying and irritation of the nasal mucosa

and enhances gas exchange.

a. Remove the nasal cannula while the client eats. This is not advisable, as the client may become hypoxic during eating, especially if they have pneumonia and impaired lung function. The nurse should monitor the client's oxygen saturation and respiratory status during meals and adjust the oxygen delivery device as needed.

c. Secure the oxygen tubing to the bed sheet near the client's head. This is not safe, as it can cause entanglement, dislodgement, or kinking of the tubing, which can compromise oxygen delivery and cause injury to the client.

d. Apply petroleum jelly to the nares as needed to soothe mucous membranes. This is not recommended, as petroleum products can ignite in the presence of oxygen and cause burns or fire. A water-based lubricant should be used instead.