A nurse is planning care for a patient who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is experiencing dyspnea at rest. Which of the following interventions should be included in the plan of care?(Select all that apply.).

Choice A reason:

Administering nitroglycerin sublingually as ordered is the next priority action for the nurse because nitroglycerin is a medication that relaxes the heart arteries and improves blood flow to the heart muscle, which can relieve chest pain and shortness of breath caused by coronary artery disease. Nitroglycerin can also lower blood pressure, which can help reduce the workload of the heart and prevent further damage to the heart muscle. Nitroglycerin is a fast-acting medication that should be given as soon as possible after chest pain occurs or is suspected.

Choice B reason:

Obtaining a complete health history from the patient is not the next priority action for the nurse because it is not an urgent intervention that can address the patient's immediate needs. A complete health history can provide valuable information about the patient's risk factors, past medical history, medications, allergies, and family history, but it can also take a long time to obtain and may not be feasible if the patient is in pain or distress. A complete health history can be obtained later after the patient's condition is stabilized and more urgent interventions are done.

Choice C reason:

Educating the patient about lifestyle modifications is not the next priority action for the nurse because it is not an acute intervention that can relieve the patient's symptoms or prevent further complications. Lifestyle modifications such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels are important for preventing or managing coronary artery disease in the long term, but they do not have an immediate effect on the patient's condition. Educating the patient about lifestyle modifications can be done later after the patient's condition is improved and the patient is ready to learn.

Choice D reason:

Preparing the patient for cardiac catheterization is not the next priority action for the nurse because it is not a definitive intervention that can confirm or rule out coronary artery disease or other causes of chest pain and shortness of breath. Cardiac catheterization is a diagnostic procedure that involves inserting a thin tube into an artery in the groin or arm and advancing it to the heart to inject contrast dye and take X-ray images of the heart and blood vessels. Cardiac catheterization can help identify blockages or narrowing in the coronary arteries that may cause chest pain and shortness of breath, but it also carries some risks such as bleeding, infection, allergic reaction, kidney damage, or heart attack. Cardiac catheterization may be ordered by the physician after other tests such as ECG, blood tests, or.

Choice A reason:

The size and depth of the ulcer are important indicators of the severity and healing progress of the wound. The nurse should measure the length, width, and depth of the ulcer using a ruler or a probe and document the findings. The nurse should also note the presence of any undermining or tunneling in the wound bed.

Choice B reason:

The presence of drainage or odor can signal infection or necrosis in the wound. The nurse should assess the amount, color, consistency, and odor of the drainage and document the findings. The nurse should also culture the wound if indicated and initiate appropriate wound care interventions.

Choice C reason:

The type and amount of pain medication administered are not directly related to the assessment of the pressure ulcer. Pain is a subjective experience that varies among individuals and situations. The nurse should assess the client's pain level using a valid pain scale and administer analgesics as prescribed, but this is not part of the ongoing assessment of the wound itself.

Choice D reason:

The client's nutritional status and intake are vital factors that affect wound healing. The nurse should assess the client's weight, body mass index, serum albumin, prealbumin, and transferrin levels, and dietary intake of protein, calories, vitamins, minerals, and fluids. The nurse should also provide nutritional supplements or consult a dietitian as needed to optimize the client's nutritional status.

Choice E reason:

The client's level of mobility and activity are also important factors that influence wound healing. The nurse should assess the client's ability to move, reposition, and ambulate independently or with assistance. The nurse should also implement measures to reduce pressure, shear, and friction on the wound site, such as using pressure-relieving devices, turning and repositioning the client frequently, and providing skin care.