Upon auscultating a client’s lungs, the nurse identifies crackles in the left posterior base. What action should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale
Increasing the client’s oral fluid intake is not the immediate action the nurse should take. While hydration is important, it does not directly address the client’s low oxygen saturation.
Choice B rationale
Initiating humidification therapy can help to thin secretions and improve oxygenation, but it is not the immediate action the nurse should take.
Choice C rationale
Raising the head of the bed is the first action the nurse should take. This position can help to improve lung expansion and oxygenation.
Choice D rationale
Encouraging the client to cough and deep breath can help to clear secretions and improve oxygenation, but it is not the immediate action the nurse should take.

Choice A rationale
Rapid respirations that are unusually deep and regular are not indicative of Cheyne-Stokes respirations. Cheyne-Stokes respirations are characterized by periods of apnea followed by gradually increasing then decreasing tidal volumes until another period of apnea.
Choice B rationale
An inability to breathe without dyspnea unless sitting upright is not indicative of Cheyne- Stokes respirations. This is more characteristic of orthopnea, which is commonly seen in conditions like heart failure.
Choice C rationale
Breathing ranging from very deep to very shallow with periods of apnea is indicative of Cheyne-Stokes respirations. This pattern of breathing is often seen in conditions such as heart failure, stroke, or brain damage.
Choice D rationale

Shallow breathing alternating with periods of apnea is not indicative of Cheyne-Stokes respirations. In Cheyne-Stokes respirations, the pattern of breathing includes periods of apnea followed by a gradual increase and then decrease in the depth of respirations.