A nurse notes a client's pulse is a 2+ and understands this means what about the pulse?

Choice A rationale:

This option is incorrect. Tachypnea refers to abnormally fast breathing, typically defined as a respiratory rate higher than 20 breaths per minute in adults. It is the opposite of the condition described in the question, where the respiratory rate has fallen below 10 respirations per minute.

Choice B rationale:

This option is incorrect. Apnea refers to the absence of breathing, often resulting from a temporary cessation of airflow to the lungs. It is characterized by the complete absence of respiratory movements and sounds, which is different from the situation described in the question where the client is breathing at a very slow rate.

Choice C rationale:

Bradypnea, or abnormally slow breathing, is the correct answer in this case. It is defined as a respiratory rate lower than the normal range, which is typically between 12 to 20 breaths per minute in adults. Bradypnea can be caused by various factors, including drug overdose, neurological disorders, or metabolic imbalances. In this scenario, the client's slow respiratory rate (below 10 respirations per minute) indicates bradypnea.

Choice D rationale:

This option is incorrect. Eupnea refers to normal breathing, where the rate and depth of respirations are within the normal range. It does not describe the condition of the sedated client in the question, who is experiencing abnormally slow breathing (bradypnea)

Choice A rationale:

Airborne transmission typically involves smaller particles that can remain suspended in the air for longer periods. Sneezing, in this case, usually produces smaller droplets that can travel farther distances and potentially infect individuals beyond a few feet away.

Choice B rationale:

Direct contact transmission occurs when there is physical contact between an infected person and a susceptible individual. In this scenario, the infected drainage from the client's wound directly touches the nurse's cut, leading to infection. This type of transmission is characterized by the transfer of microorganisms through physical touch or contact with the skin.

Choice C rationale:

Droplet contact transmission involves larger respiratory droplets that are expelled when a person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets typically do not travel far and can only infect people who are in close proximity. In this case, the scenario describes a client coughing on their hand and another person becoming infected by touching the contaminated door handle. This aligns with direct contact transmission rather than droplet contact transmission.

Choice D rationale:

Indirect contact transmission refers to the transfer of an infectious agent from a contaminated surface or object to a susceptible person. However, the scenario provided does not involve the nurse coming into contact with a contaminated surface but rather with the infected drainage directly. Therefore, this scenario is best categorized under direct contact transmission.