The nurse is caring for a client who has been admitted with a diagnosis of esophageal cancer.
The client reports a pain level of 8 on a 0 to 10 pain scale, dysphagia, anorexia, anxiety, and a hoarse voice. Which nursing problem is the priority for this client?

Choice A rationale:

Deep breathing and coughing exercises are not a priority intervention immediately following eye surgery. They are more commonly used to prevent postoperative pulmonary complications, such as pneumonia or atelectasis, in patients who have undergone general anesthesia or have respiratory conditions.

While deep breathing and coughing exercises can help promote circulation and prevent blood clots, they are not directly relevant to protecting the eye after surgery.

Engaging in deep breathing and coughing exercises too soon after eye surgery could potentially increase intraocular pressure, which could strain the healing eye and potentially lead to complications.

Choice B rationale:

Obtaining vital signs every 2 hours is a standard nursing intervention for monitoring a patient's overall condition, but it is not the most immediate priority following eye surgery.

Vital signs can provide important information about the patient's heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature, but they do not directly address the protection of the surgically treated eye.

While monitoring vital signs is important, it does not specifically address the prevention of injury or complications to the eye itself.

Choice C rationale:

Providing an eye shield is the most crucial intervention to protect the eye immediately following surgery. The eye shield serves several important purposes:

Protection from accidental injury: It prevents the patient from accidentally rubbing or bumping the eye during sleep, which could cause further damage or disrupt the healing process.

Prevention of infection: It helps to keep the eye clean and free from debris, reducing the risk of infection. Reduction of swelling: It can help to minimize swelling and discomfort by applying gentle pressure to the eye area.

Promotion of healing: By creating a dark and protected environment, the eye shield can promote rest and healing of the tissues.

Choice D rationale:

Teaching a family member to administer eye drops is an important intervention for long-term care, but it is not the most immediate priority following surgery.

The patient may be able to administer eye drops independently, or a nurse may be responsible for administering them in the initial post-operative period.

Focusing on teaching family members about eye drop administration right after surgery could distract from more urgent priorities, such as protecting the eye with an eye shield.

Rationale for Choice A:

Pursed-lip breathing:

Creates back pressure in the airways, which helps to keep them open longer during exhalation.

Slows down the breathing rate, allowing for more complete exhalation and better emptying of the lungs. Prevents air trapping, which can worsen shortness of breath.

Promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety, which can also help to improve breathing.

Rationale for Choice B:

Side-lying position with knees bent:

May not be the most effective position for improving gas exchange in a client with emphysema. Could potentially restrict chest expansion and make breathing more difficult.

May not be comfortable for all clients.

Rationale for Choice C:

Increasing breathing rate:

Can lead to hyperventilation, which can worsen shortness of breath and anxiety. Can also cause fatigue and muscle exhaustion.

Rationale for Choice D:

Raising hands above the head:

Does not significantly expand the diaphragm or improve gas exchange. May actually make breathing more difficult for some clients.