The nurse enters a room of a patient who is acutely short of breath. Which action should the nurse take first?

C. Pursed lip breathing is a technique that can help patients with acute dyspnea by improving ventilation, prolonging exhalation, and reducing the work of breathing. It helps to keep the airways open longer and makes it easier to get rid of excess carbon dioxide, which can provide quick relief from acute shortness of breath.
A. Teaching the patient about using accessory muscles for breathing can be beneficial in managing chronic respiratory issues, but it is not an immediate intervention.
B. Understanding the cause of dyspnea is important for treatment planning but it is not the first action to take when the patient is experiencing acute shortness of breath.
D. The Sims position, where the patient lies on their side with the lower arm behind the back and the upper leg flexed, is not typically used for relieving acute respiratory distress.

B. Maintaining a healthy weight is important for managing a hiatal hernia. Excess body weight can increase abdominal pressure and exacerbate symptoms. Weight loss, if necessary, can help reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms.
C. Elevating the head of the bed helps prevent the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus while sleeping. Gravity helps keep the stomach contents down, reducing the risk of acid reflux and associated symptoms.
D. Caffeine and spicy foods can irritate the stomach lining and exacerbate symptoms of hiatal hernia, such as heartburn and acid reflux. Reducing the intake of these foods can help manage symptoms.
A. This is not typically a recommendation for managing a hiatal hernia. Drinking fluids is important for overall health and digestion. However, it is advisable to avoid drinking large amounts of fluids quickly, especially with meals, as this can increase intra-abdominal pressure and worsen symptoms.
E. Lying down after meals can increase the risk of reflux and worsen symptoms of a hiatal hernia. It is generally recommended to remain upright for at least a couple of hours after eating to prevent reflux.