An older female adult who was admited to a long-term care facility yesterday is confused about what day of the week it is. Her history does not indicate that she was confused prior to admission. What action should the practical nurse (PN) take?

A) Incorrect - Providing a regular diet tray is important for the client's nutritional needs, but it is not as urgent as assessing vital signs or administering Albuterol in response to the client's acute symptoms.
B) Correct- This action is a priority after any assessment or intervention. Vital signs provide important information about the client's overall condition, including heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation.
C) Incorrect - Applying oxygen is important, but its priority depends on the client's vital signs and oxygen saturation, which should be assessed first.
D) Correct- Administering Albuterol as ordered is crucial for addressing the client's acute breathing difficulty. Albuterol is a bronchodilator that helps alleviate asthma symptoms, and timely administration is essential.
E) Incorrect - Performing a pulmonary function test is valuable for assessing lung function, but it's not an immediate concern compared to addressing the client's breathing difficulty.

A) Incorrect- an audible voice when client is trying to communicate, indicates that the client has some air passing through the vocal cords, which may be due to a partially deflated cuff or a speaking valve. This is not a life-threatening situation, but the nurse should ensure that the cuff pressure is adequate and that the client is not experiencing any discomfort or aspiration risk.
B) Incorrect- This may indicate atelectasis, pneumonia, or pleural effusion in that lung area. The nurse should auscultate the client's lungs more thoroughly, monitor the client's oxygenation and ventilation parameters, and report the findings to the provider.
C) Correct- This finding suggests that the client may have a ventilator disconnect, a leak in the circuit, or a cuff leak, which can compromise the client's oxygenation and ventilation. The nurse should immediately check the ventilator connections and tubing, and assess the client's vital signs and oxygen saturation.
D) Incorrect- high-pressure alarm sounds when the client is coughing, which is a common occurrence in mechanically ventilated clients who have increased airway resistance due to secretions, bronchospasm, or coughing. The nurse should suction the client as needed, administer bronchodilators if prescribed, and ensure that the ventilator settings are appropriate for the client's condition.