An older adult client is hospitalized with a fractured femur. During a routine nursing assessment, the client repeatedly asks the nurse to "speak up" so that the client can hear the questions. Which action is best for the nurse to take?

C. The client's weak cough effort and use of accessory muscles to breathe suggest the presence of retained respiratory secretions, which can impair breathing and lead to further respiratory compromise. Suctioning to clear secretions from the airway can help improve air exchange and alleviate respiratory distress.

A. The client's primary issue appears to be respiratory distress rather than fever.

B. Offering pain relief is important for overall comfort but it is not be the most immediate intervention needed to address the client's respiratory distress.

D. Arterial blood gases may provide valuable information but they may not be the most immediate intervention needed to address the client's respiratory distress.

A. Send blood for a complete blood count, electrolytes: This is appropriate for assessing the client's overall health status and electrolyte balance, which may be affected by pneumonia and enalapril therapy.

B.Enalapril 10 mg every morning: This is the client's maintenance dose of enalapril for managing hypertension, and it should be continued unless there are specific contraindications or concerns about renal function.

C.Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can increase blood pressure and interfere with the antihypertensive effects of enalapril. Additionally, NSAIDs can potentially worsen renal function, which may already be compromised in a client with pneumonia.
D.Admit to the medical floor: This is appropriate for a client with pneumonia who may require close monitoring and management of respiratory status and other complications.
E.Supplemental oxygen 10 L/min via nasal cannula: High-flow oxygen can decrease respiratory drive and potentially worsen ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) matching, especially in clients with pneumonia.

F.Vital signs every 4 hours: Regular monitoring of vital signs is essential for assessing the client's response to treatment and identifying any signs of deterioration.

G.Continuous pulse oximetry: Continuous pulse oximetry provides real-time monitoring of oxygen saturation and helps assess the effectiveness of oxygen therapy and the client's respiratory status.

H.While a chest x-ray is often indicated for diagnosing pneumonia, ordering it "now" may not be necessary unless the client's condition is unstable or if there are specific concerns regarding the severity of the pneumonia