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A client who was admitted yesterday with bilateral pneumonia has congested breath sounds, an oxygen saturation of 94%, a weak cough effort, and is using accessory muscles to breathe. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

A nurse is caring for a 51-year-old male client with pneumonia in the hospital. The client has a history of hypertension and takes enalapril and a multivitamin daily. His surgical history includes adenoid removal at age 4 and surgical repair of a fractured tibia at age 20.

History and Physical

The client is a 51-year-old male with pneumonia. He has a history of hypertension and takes enalapril and a multivitamin daily. His surgical history includes adenoid removal at age 4 and surgical repair of a fractured tibia at age 20.

Nurses’ Notes

The client is alert and oriented but appears fatigued. He reports shortness of breath and a productive cough with greenish sputum. The client has been receiving oxygen therapy via nasal cannula at 2 L/min. He has been compliant with his medication regimen and reports no recent changes in his health status. The client denies any chest pain but mentions occasional wheezing.

Diagnostic Results

Chest X-ray: Consolidation noted in the right middle and lower lobe consistent with pneumonia.

Vital Signs

• Temperature: 38.5°C (101.3°F)
• Heart Rate: 98 bpm
• Respiratory Rate: 24 breaths per minute
• Blood Pressure: 145/90 mmHg
• Oxygen Saturation: 92% on 2 L/min of oxygen via nasal cannula

Physical Examination Results

The client appears fatigued and is using accessory muscles to breathe. Lung auscultation reveals crackles in the right middle and lower lobes. There is no peripheral edema, and the client’s skin is warm and dry. The client has a productive cough with greenish sputum. He is alert and oriented but appears anxious.

Provider’s Prescriptions

• Continue enalapril 10 mg daily
• Acetaminophen 500 mg every 6 hours as needed for fever
• Increase oxygen to 3 L/min via nasal cannula if oxygen saturation drops below 90%
• Administer albuterol nebulizer treatment every 4 hours as needed for wheezing
• Encourage deep breathing and coughing exercises every hour

Question: Which actions can the nurse do to assist the client in improving their ventilation and oxygenation? Select all that apply.

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