Exhibits

The nurse reviews client data.

Select the 2 possible conditions that could have the clinical manifestation of clubbed nails for this client.

Potential Condition
Urinary Retention
The client's symptoms, including the urge to void, feeling "wet," and the bladder scan showing 600 mL of residual urine, suggest urinary retention. Urinary retention occurs when the bladder does not empty completely or at all, leading to a buildup of urine. This can happen postoperatively due to anesthesia effects, pain, or bladder dysfunction.
Actions to Take
• Request prescription for straight catheter

A straight catheter (intermittent catheterization) is used to drain the bladder and measure the amount of urine collected. It is often preferred over an indwelling catheter in cases of acute urinary retention where temporary relief and assessment of bladder function are needed.
• Insert indwelling urinary catheter
An indwelling urinary catheter might be needed if urinary retention persists and is not relieved by other methods. It allows continuous drainage of urine and can be useful in managing acute or severe cases of urinary retention.
Parameters to Monitor
• Amount of urine output
Monitoring urine output is crucial to evaluate how effectively the bladder is emptying after catheterization or other interventions. This helps in assessing whether the urinary retention is being resolved.
• Residual urine
Checking residual urine with a bladder scanner can help determine how much urine remains in the bladder after voiding. Persistent high residual urine levels would indicate ongoing retention issues that need further intervention.

A. Increasing oxygen flow might seem like an immediate response, but it's crucial to be cautious with oxygen therapy in COPD patients. They often have a chronic CO2 retention issue, and excessive oxygen can sometimes reduce their drive to breathe, potentially worsening their condition. The increase in oxygen should be based on specific clinical guidelines and patient response, rather than an automatic increase.
B. Obtaining a stat arterial blood gas (ABG) is an important diagnostic step to evaluate the client’s oxygenation, ventilation, and acid-base status. This can provide critical information on the severity of the dyspnea and guide further treatment. It’s an essential action, particularly in acute dyspnea, as it helps in understanding the underlying cause and tailoring appropriate interventions.
C. The client is already in a high-Fowler’s position, which is optimal for improving lung expansion and easing dyspnea. Lowering the bed to a semi-Fowler’s position might not provide additional relief and could potentially worsen the client’s dyspnea. High-Fowler's position is generally preferred for severe dyspnea as it maximizes lung expansion and facilitates breathing.
D. Pursed-lip breathing is a helpful technique for managing dyspnea in COPD patients. It helps to prolong exhalation, reduce airway collapse, and improve gas exchange. This technique can provide immediate relief by helping the client control their breathing and reduce feelings of breathlessness.