An older client is admitted to an acute care facility with the diagnosis of left lower lobe pneumonia. How should the practical nurse (PN) position the client for auscultation of posterior lung fields?

The correct answer is choice B. Ineffective airway clearance.

Choice A rationale:

Risk of infection is not the priority nursing problem in this scenario. While the darkened membranes and smoky breath may be indicative of potential infection, addressing ineffective airway clearance is more urgent as it directly impacts the client's breathing and oxygenation.

Choice B rationale:

Ineffective airway clearance should be the priority nursing problem. Darkened membranes of the mouth and smoky breath suggest possible inhalation injury or airway obstruction.

Maintaining a patent airway is crucial for adequate oxygenation and to prevent further complications.

Choice C rationale:

Acute pain is not the priority nursing problem in this case. Although it is essential to address any discomfort the client may be experiencing, it takes a back seat to the more critical issue of ineffective airway clearance.

Choice D rationale:

Disturbed body image is not the priority nursing problem when the client has darkened mouth membranes and smoky breath. While it is important to address body image concerns, the immediate focus should be on managing and improving the client's airway clearance.

The correct answer is Choice B. Report the finding to the charge nurse. Choice A rationale:

Checking for kinks in the drainage tubing is an important troubleshooting step if there is a sudden decrease or absence of urine output. However, in this case, the PN's concern is the presence of thick red fluid with clots in the urine drainage. This finding indicates potential bleeding, which requires immediate attention and reporting.

Choice B rationale:

Reporting the finding to the charge nurse is the correct action. The presence of thick red fluid with clots in the urine suggests significant bleeding after the transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) surgery. It is crucial to inform the charge nurse or the healthcare provider promptly so that appropriate interventions can be initiated to address the bleeding.

Choice C rationale:

Stopping the irrigation solution immediately may not be within the PN's scope of practice unless explicitly instructed by the healthcare provider. Moreover, abruptly stopping the irrigation may lead to complications, and it is essential to involve the charge nurse or healthcare provider in making this decision.

Choice D rationale:

Observing the drainage again in one hour is not appropriate in this situation. The presence of thick red fluid with clots in the urine drainage is an urgent concern that requires immediate action, not a wait-and-see approach.