The practical nurse (PN) is completing a focused assessment on a client who is prescribed oxygen at 3 liters per minute by nasal cannula. Which assessment finding by the PN requires immediate action?

Choice A rationale:

Ibuprofen 400 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed for temperature greater than 100.5 °F (38 °C). This order is questionable because ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can potentially increase blood pressure, which could be harmful to a patient with hypertension. Furthermore, NSAIDs can mask the symptoms of infection, which could delay the diagnosis and treatment of serious infections.

Choice B rationale:

Enalapril 10 mg every morning. This order is questionable because enalapril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used to treat hypertension. However, ACE inhibitors can cause a dry cough, which could exacerbate the patient’s existing cough due to pneumonia. Additionally, ACE inhibitors can potentially cause hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), so it’s important to monitor the patient’s electrolyte levels.

Choice C rationale:

Supplemental oxygen 10 L/min via nasal cannula. This order is questionable because a high flow rate of oxygen can potentially cause oxygen toxicity or hyperoxia, which can lead to cellular damage. The typical flow rate for a nasal cannula is between 1-6 L/min. A flow rate of 10 L/min may be too high for this patient, especially without a specified target SpO2 range.

Choice D rationale:

Continuous pulse oximetry. This order is appropriate because it allows for continuous monitoring of the patient’s oxygen saturation levels, which is crucial in a patient with pneumonia and shortness of breath.

Choice E rationale:

Send blood for a complete blood count, electrolytes, blood cultures, and procalcitonin. This order is appropriate because these tests can help monitor the patient’s overall health status and response to treatment.

Choice F rationale:

Admit to the medical floor. This order is appropriate because the patient requires hospitalization for treatment and monitoring due to his pneumonia.

Choice G rationale:

Vital signs every 4 hours. This order is appropriate because it allows for regular monitoring of the patient’s vital signs, which can help detect any changes in his condition.

Choice H rationale:

Chest x-ray now. This order is appropriate because a chest x-ray can help confirm the diagnosis of pneumonia and assess its severity.

Choice I rationale:

Sputum culture and sensitivity. This order is appropriate because it can help identify the specific organism causing the pneumonia and determine its antibiotic sensitivity, which can guide antibiotic therapy.

Choice J rationale:

Levofloxacin 500 mg intravenously every 24 hours. This order is appropriate because levofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic commonly used to treat pneumonia.

b) Return the patient to bed and maintain bed rest until the local flow stabilizes.

Explanation: The patient experienced a sudden guard while being assisted to the bathroom, which led to their hospitalization. The most appropriate action for the practical nurse (PN) in this situation is to prioritize the patient's safety and well-being. Returning the patient to bed and maintaining bed rest allows for stability and minimizes the risk of further complications or injury. By providing a safe and controlled environment, the PN can monitor the patient's condition and collaborate with the healthcare team to determine the appropriate course of action moving forward. Options a), c), and d) are not relevant or appropriate in this context.

a) Maximize funding and avoid undue pressure on the cesarean incision: This option is unrelated to the situation described. It mentions maximizing funding, which is not relevant to the patient's condition, and does not address the sudden guard experienced during bathroom assistance.

b) Adjust fluid consistency and continue to monitor the local flow amount: This option is not applicable to the situation described. It suggests adjusting fluid consistency and monitoring local flow, which do not address the sudden guard experienced by the patient.

c) Withhold bladder emptying until the Foley catheter is removed and contract the fundus: This option is not appropriate for the situation described. It refers to withholding bladder emptying until the Foley catheter is removed, which may not be necessary or relevant in this case. Contracting the fundus is also unrelated to the sudden guard experienced during bathroom assistance.