Following a cardiac catheterization and placement of a stent in the right coronary artery, the nurse administers prasugrel, a platelet inhibitor, to the client. To monitor for adverse effects from the medication, which assessment is most important for the nurse to include in this client's plan of care?

Emphysema is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by the destruction of lung tissue and loss of elasticity in the alveoli. This leads to poor gas exchange, specifically the reduced ability of oxygen to enter the bloodstream and carbon dioxide to be eliminated from the body. Impaired gas exchange can result in hypoxemia and hypercapnia, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and decreased exercise tolerance.

While self-care deficit, activity intolerance, and ineffective airway clearance are all potential complications associated with emphysema, impaired gas exchange is the priority due to its direct impact on the client's oxygenation and overall respiratory function.

Addressing impaired gas exchange and optimizing oxygenation is essential to support the client's respiratory health and prevent further complications. Management strategies for impaired gas exchange may include administering supplemental oxygen, implementing respiratory treatments to improve lung function, and providing education on breathing techniques and energy conservation.

The correct answer is Choice B.

Choice A rationale: Ice application induces vasoconstriction, which reduces swelling but does not evert inverted nipples. This action does not address the primary issue of nipple inversion preventing adequate latch.

Choice B rationale: Breast pump use creates negative pressure, drawing out the nipple. This eversion facilitates latching by providing a more prominent nipple for the infant's oral cavity to grasp effectively.

Choice C rationale: Supplemental formula feedings provide nutrition, but do not resolve the latching difficulty caused by inverted nipples. This can interfere with the establishment of the mother's milk supply.

Choice D rationale: Breast shields can aid latching, but they are most effective when used in conjunction with nipple eversion techniques. They do not directly address the underlying problem of inverted nipples.