A client with a history of asthma and bronchitis arrives at the clinic with shortness of breath and a productive cough with thickened, tenacious mucus. The client reports difficulty walking up a flight of stairs without experiencing breathlessness. Which action is most important for the nurse to instruct the client about self-care?
Teach anxiety reduction methods for feelings of suffocation.
Increase the daily intake of oral fluids to liquefy secretions.
Call the clinic if undesirable side effects of medications occur.
Avoid crowded enclosed areas to reduce pathogen exposure.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Teaching anxiety reduction methods for feelings of suffocation is important but not the most immediate action needed to address the client’s respiratory symptoms.
Choice B rationale
Increasing the daily intake of oral fluids to liquefy secretions is the most important action for the nurse to instruct the client about self-care. This helps to thin the mucus, making it easier to expectorate and improving breathing.
Choice C rationale
Calling the clinic if undesirable side effects of medications occur is important but not the most immediate action needed to address the client’s respiratory symptoms.
Choice D rationale
Avoiding crowded enclosed areas to reduce pathogen exposure is important but not the most immediate action needed to address the client’s respiratory symptoms.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Total protein levels are not directly related to the symptoms of pallor and fatigue. While important, they do not provide immediate insight into the client’s current condition.
Choice B rationale
Sodium levels are crucial for overall health but are not directly related to the symptoms of pallor and fatigue. Monitoring sodium is important for fluid balance but not for diagnosing anemia.
Choice C rationale
Glucose levels are essential for managing diabetes and other metabolic conditions but are not directly related to the symptoms of pallor and fatigue. Monitoring glucose is important for overall health but not for diagnosing anemia.
Choice D rationale
Hemoglobin levels are directly related to the symptoms of pallor and fatigue. Diclofenac, an NSAID, can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, leading to anemia. Therefore, reviewing hemoglobin levels is crucial in this scenario.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Promoting effective swallowing is important for patients with dysphagia, but it is not the primary goal for a client with a sliding hiatal hernia. The main concern with a sliding hiatal hernia is the prevention of gastroesophageal reflux, which can lead to complications such as esophagitis and Barrett’s esophagus.
Choice B rationale
Maintaining intact oral mucosa is crucial for patients with conditions affecting the mouth, such as oral mucositis or infections. However, it is not the primary goal for a client with a sliding hiatal hernia. The focus should be on preventing reflux and managing symptoms.
Choice C rationale
Preventing esophageal reflux is the primary goal for a client with a sliding hiatal hernia. This condition occurs when the stomach slides up into the chest through the diaphragm, leading to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Nursing actions should aim to reduce reflux symptoms by advising the client to eat smaller meals, avoid lying down after eating, and elevate the head of the bed.
Choice D rationale
Increasing intestinal peristalsis is important for patients with conditions like constipation or ileus. However, it is not the primary goal for a client with a sliding hiatal hernia. The focus should be on preventing reflux and managing symptoms.