The nurse is caring for a client with a suspected stroke. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?

Choice A reason: Monitoring oxygen saturation is critical in COPD, as oxygen therapy aims to maintain saturation (88–92%) to prevent hypoxia. Pulse oximetry ensures adequate oxygenation, guiding therapy adjustments, making it the priority assessment to prevent respiratory failure and optimize lung function.

Choice B reason: Checking skin color assesses cyanosis but is less precise than oxygen saturation. Pulse oximetry provides objective data on oxygenation in COPD, guiding oxygen therapy, making it the priority over subjective visual assessments, which are secondary to quantitative measures.

Choice C reason: Assessing chest pain is relevant for cardiac issues but not the primary concern in COPD oxygen therapy. Oxygen saturation directly evaluates therapy effectiveness, preventing hypoxia, making it the priority assessment to ensure respiratory stability in chronic lung disease.

Choice D reason: Measuring blood pressure monitors cardiovascular status but is secondary to oxygenation in COPD. Oxygen saturation is critical, as hypoxia exacerbates respiratory distress, requiring immediate assessment to adjust oxygen therapy, making it the priority over hemodynamic evaluations.

Choice A reason: Priming an ipratropium inhaler typically requires 2 pumps, not 7, to ensure proper dosing. Excessive priming wastes medication and may reduce the inhaler’s lifespan. This action indicates misunderstanding of device preparation, necessitating further teaching to ensure effective administration and therapeutic outcomes.

Choice B reason: Attaching a spacer device enhances ipratropium delivery by improving aerosol deposition in the lungs, especially in COPD patients with poor inhalation technique. This is correct, as spacers reduce oropharyngeal deposition, minimizing side effects and maximizing bronchodilation, requiring no additional teaching.

Choice C reason: Storing ipratropium at room temperature is correct, as extreme temperatures can degrade the medication’s efficacy. This action aligns with manufacturer guidelines, ensuring the inhaler’s stability and effectiveness, indicating proper understanding and eliminating the need for further teaching on storage.

Choice D reason: Rinsing the mouth after ipratropium use is appropriate, as it reduces local side effects like dry mouth or throat irritation from residual medication. This correct action prevents complications, showing proper technique and understanding, so no additional teaching is required for this step.