A nurse is planning care for a client who is recovering from an acute myocardial infarction that occurred 3 days ago. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

A. Assess the client’s breath sounds: Auscultation helps determine how well interventions like albuterol and oxygen are working. Detecting changes such as worsening wheezes, crackles, or diminished sounds ensures early recognition of complications. This is vital given the client’s chronic smoking history and respiratory distress.

B. Restrict the client’s fluid intake: Adequate hydration thins mucus, making it easier to clear. Unless there is heart or kidney failure, fluids should be encouraged. Restricting intake could worsen secretion retention and impair gas exchange.

C. Perform chest percussion and vibration: These techniques loosen mucus and promote clearance in clients with COPD or chronic bronchitis. Because the client has a productive cough and abnormal lung sounds, this intervention supports better airway patency. It also works well alongside bronchodilators for improved breathing.

D. Increase oxygen flow rate to 4 L/min: In clients with chronic CO₂ retention, too much oxygen can suppress respiratory drive. The current prescription of 2 L/min should be maintained unless the provider reassesses and orders changes based on ABGs.

E. Instruct the client to perform diaphragmatic breathing: This method enhances airflow to the lower lungs, reduces accessory muscle use, and improves oxygen exchange. For a COPD client, it helps conserve energy and improve ventilation. Combined with pursed-lip breathing, it strengthens respiratory efficiency.

F. Place the client in a supine position: Lying flat limits lung expansion and can worsen dyspnea in clients with lung disease. An upright or high-Fowler’s position promotes maximal ventilation and better oxygenation.

Rationale:

A. "I don't think you will benefit from reviewing your therapist's notes right now.": This statement dismisses the client’s request without addressing legal and policy guidelines regarding access to records. It also inappropriately assumes the client’s capacity to benefit from the information.

B. "Are you not happy with your treatment?": This redirects the conversation away from the request and implies dissatisfaction, which can create defensiveness. It does not provide the client with accurate information about their right to access medical records.

C. "Why are you interested in seeing your therapist's notes?": Asking “why” can sound confrontational and does not answer the client’s question. The focus should be on explaining what parts of the record can be shared, according to policy and law.

D. "We can provide a copy of your records, but the therapist's notes are not included.": Psychotherapy notes are excluded from standard medical record disclosures under HIPAA, as they are kept separate to protect sensitive details.