A client was admitted 2 days ago with pneumonia. The client is now having chest pain. Vital signs are Temperature 37.2 C (98.9 F), Pulse 108, Blood pressure 160/90, respirator rate 24, and Oxygen Saturation 90%. What should the nurse do first?
Call another nurse for help
Give pain medication as ordered
Call the admitting healthcare provider
Tell client to remain calm
Apply oxygen via nasal cannula as ordered
The Correct Answer is E
A. Calling another nurse for help is unnecessary unless additional assistance is required after initial interventions.
B. Giving pain medication as ordered may address the chest pain but does not address the immediate need for oxygenation.
C. Calling the admitting healthcare provider can be done later if symptoms do not improve, but the immediate priority is to improve oxygenation.
D. Telling the client to remain calm may help reduce anxiety but does not address the low oxygen saturation.
E. Applying oxygen via nasal cannula as ordered is the priority action to improve the client’s oxygen saturation and alleviate hypoxemia, which could be contributing to their chest pain.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Using the incentive spirometer is primarily aimed at preventing respiratory complications, not directly related to DVT prevention.
B. Dangling the legs off the bed promotes blood flow and prepares the client for ambulation, which helps prevent venous stasis and reduces the risk of DVT.
C. Encouraging ambulation is crucial for DVT prevention, but this task typically requires nursing judgment and assessment.
D. Keeping the knees elevated for prolonged periods may increase the risk of venous stasis, potentially contributing to DVT formation.
E. Limiting fluids without a clinical indication can lead to dehydration, which may increase the risk of blood clots.
Correct Answer is E
Explanation
A. Music can be a soothing nonpharmacologic method to reduce pain and may help with relaxation, even for confused patients, as it typically doesn’t require cognitive engagement.
B. Aromatherapy is generally safe and may offer calming effects for older adults without relying heavily on cognitive processing.
C. Heat application is a physical pain relief method, and as long as safety precautions are taken, it can be used effectively in confused patients.
D. Distraction can be a beneficial technique for pain relief and is often effective without requiring cognitive engagement.
E. Guided Imagery should be avoided in confused older adults, as it relies on the patient's ability to follow instructions and visualize mental images, which can be challenging and potentially frustrating for someone with cognitive impairment.