A nurse administers an opioid analgesic to a postoperative client who also has severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement before leaving the client alone?
Apply the client’s positive airway pressure device.
Lift and lock the side rails in place.
Remove dentures or other oral appliances.
Elevate the head of the bed to a 45-degree angle.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Elevating the head of the bed to a 45-degree angle can help improve airway patency and reduce the risk of airway obstruction in clients with OSA. However, applying the positive airway pressure device (CPAP or BiPAP) takes precedence due to its direct impact on maintaining airway patency and preventing respiratory compromise.
Choice B rationale
Lifting and locking the side rails in place ensures the safety of the client but does not directly address the client’s OSA or the potential respiratory depression associated with opioid analgesic administration.
Choice C rationale
Applying the client’s positive airway pressure device is the most important intervention in this scenario. Clients with severe obstructive sleep apnea rely on positive airway pressure devices, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP), to maintain airway patency and prevent episodes of apnea during sleep. Applying the device before leaving the client alone ensures continuous support for effective breathing.
Choice D rationale
Removing dentures or other oral appliances may be necessary for client comfort and safety, but it is not directly related to managing OSA or preventing respiratory compromise associated with opioid analgesic administration.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Giving the client a hug and saying, “It is okay to cry when you are sad,” may be comforting, but it may also be seen as intrusive and not respecting the client’s personal space. Physical touch should be used cautiously and only when the nurse is certain that it is welcome and appropriate. Additionally, this response does not encourage the client to express their feelings or provide an opportunity for the nurse to understand the underlying cause of the client’s distress.
Choice B rationale
Saying, “I am sorry to disturb you at a difficult time. This can wait until later,” acknowledges the client’s distress but does not offer immediate support or an opportunity for the client to express their feelings. It may also give the impression that the nurse is not available to provide emotional support when needed.
Choice C rationale
While touching the client’s forearm, asking, “Would you like to talk about it?” is the best response as it shows empathy and offers the client an opportunity to express their feelings. This response respects the client’s personal space while also providing a gentle touch that can be comforting. It opens the door for communication and allows the nurse to provide emotional support and address any concerns the client may have.
Choice D rationale
Saying, “This is a bad time. I can see you are upset. I can come back later,” acknowledges the client’s distress but does not offer immediate support or an opportunity for the client to express their feelings. It may also give the impression that the nurse is not available to provide emotional support when needed.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Elevating the head of the bed to a 45-degree angle can help improve airway patency and reduce the risk of airway obstruction in clients with OSA. However, applying the positive airway pressure device (CPAP or BiPAP) takes precedence due to its direct impact on maintaining airway patency and preventing respiratory compromise.
Choice B rationale
Lifting and locking the side rails in place ensures the safety of the client but does not directly address the client’s OSA or the potential respiratory depression associated with opioid analgesic administration.
Choice C rationale
Applying the client’s positive airway pressure device is the most important intervention in this scenario. Clients with severe obstructive sleep apnea rely on positive airway pressure devices, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP), to maintain airway patency and prevent episodes of apnea during sleep. Applying the device before leaving the client alone ensures continuous support for effective breathing.
Choice D rationale
Removing dentures or other oral appliances may be necessary for client comfort and safety, but it is not directly related to managing OSA or preventing respiratory compromise associated with opioid analgesic administration.