A nurse is teaching a client about advance directives. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

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.

A. Documenting communication with a provider in the progress notes of the client's medical record: Proper documentation of provider communication is standard nursing practice and does not constitute malpractice. It helps ensure continuity of care and legal protection.

B. Placing a yellow bracelet on a client who is at risk for falls: Implementing fall precautions, such as using a yellow wristband, is an appropriate safety measure and standard of care, not malpractice.

C. Administering potassium via IV bolus: Administering potassium as a rapid IV push is extremely dangerous and can cause cardiac arrest. This action violates the standard of care and constitutes malpractice due to potential harm to the client.

D. Leaving a nasogastric tube clamped after administering oral medication: A nasogastric (NG) tube is often clamped for a short period after administering medication to allow the medication to be absorbed. The nurse's action would only be considered negligent if they left the tube clamped for a prolonged period.