A nurse is preparing to administer a liquid medication to a 6-month-old infant who is crying. Which of the

following actions should the nurse take to reduce the risk of aspiration?

A respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute with shallow respirations and cyanosis indicates severe respiratory distress or failure. In this situation, the client's oxygenation is compromised, and immediate intervention is needed to ensure an open and unobstructed airway. The nurse should prioritize ensuring the client has a patent airway by assessing for any airway obstruction and taking appropriate measures to clear the airway if necessary. This may involve techniques such as the head tilt-chin lift or jaw thrust maneuver.

While administering oxygen, checking the client's pulse rate, and placing a pulse oximeter on the client's finger are all important interventions in managing respiratory distress, the first and most critical step is to establish a patent airway. Without a clear airway, the client's oxygenation cannot be adequately addressed, and other interventions may be ineffective. Once the airway is secured, the nurse can proceed with providing oxygen, assessing the client's vital signs, and monitoring oxygen saturation using a pulse oximeter.

c. Ketones positive.

Explanation:

Ketones in the urine can be an indication of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or other metabolic disorders. It is abnormal and should be reported to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management. Positive ketones suggest that the body is breaking down fats for energy instead of using glucose, which can be a sign of inadequate insulin levels or utilization.

Options a, b, and d are within normal ranges or do not indicate an immediate concern. A specific gravity of 1.020 is within the normal range and indicates appropriate urine concentration. Uric acid levels of 475 mg/24 hr are not mentioned as abnormal or concerning in the context provided. Nitrites negative indicates the absence of nitrites in the urine, which is a normal finding and indicates the absence of a urinary tract infection.

However, it's important to note that clinical judgment should always be exercised, and the nurse should consider the patient's overall clinical presentation and history when interpreting laboratory results and making decisions regarding reporting to the provider.