Which instruction is highest priority when the nurse is developing a teaching plan for a patient with Addison's disease?

A. The client exhales as the medication is released from the inhaler: This is incorrect. The client should inhale deeply while activating the inhaler. Exhaling before inhaling will reduce the effectiveness of the medication.
B. The client takes a quick inhalation while releasing the medication from the inhaler: This is incorrect. The client should inhale slowly and deeply to allow the medication to reach the lungs effectively. A quick inhalation may result in less medication being delivered to the lungs.
C. The client holds his breath for 10 seconds after inhaling the medication: This is the correct action. Holding the breath allows the medication to settle in the lungs, enhancing its therapeutic effect.
D. The client waits 10 min between inhalations: This is not necessary unless instructed by the healthcare provider. Most guidelines suggest waiting 1 to 2 minutes between inhalations of the same medication.

A. Hypertension is not typically associated with pneumonia, especially in older adults. Pneumonia can lead to hypotension or sepsis, but not usually hypertension.
B. Unequal pupils are not a typical finding associated with pneumonia. This could suggest a neurological issue or a possible eye problem, not a respiratory infection.
C. Confusion is a common sign of pneumonia in older adults, especially in the elderly, who may present with altered mental status due to hypoxia, infection, or dehydration. Delirium or confusion is a common manifestation of pneumonia in this population.
D. Tympany on chest percussion suggests air in the abdominal cavity, not in the lungs, and is not typically associated with pneumonia. Pneumonia is more likely to present with dullness upon percussion due to consolidation in the lungs.