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 D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Inspecting crutches to ensure rubber tips are intact is important for safety, but it does not indicate an understanding of the proper crutch walking technique. Proper crutch walking involves using the crutches correctly to avoid injury and ensure mobility.
Choice B rationale
Practicing bicep and triceps isometric exercises can help strengthen the muscles needed for crutch walking, but it does not demonstrate an understanding of the actual crutch walking technique. The focus should be on how the crutches are used during walking.
Choice C rationale
Progressing to foot touchdown and weight-bearing of the affected leg is a part of the rehabilitation process, but it does not specifically indicate proper crutch walking technique. Proper crutch walking involves the correct use of crutches to support the body weight.
Choice D rationale
Bearing body weight on the palms of hands during the crutch gait is the correct technique for three-point gait crutch walking. This method ensures that the weight is distributed properly and reduces the risk of injury to the underarms and shoulders.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Asking the client if they understand after each instruction may not be effective if the client is not comfortable expressing confusion or misunderstanding. It does not allow for direct observation of the client’s ability to perform the necessary tasks.
Choice B rationale
Having an interpreter repeat the wound care instructions may be helpful, but it still does not allow for direct observation of the client’s ability to perform the necessary tasks.
Choice C rationale
Having the client demonstrate prescribed wound care is the best way to evaluate the client’s understanding of self-care at home. This allows the nurse to directly observe the client’s ability to perform the necessary tasks and provide feedback and clarification as needed.
Choice D rationale
Providing written instructions in the client’s native language may be helpful, but it does not allow the nurse to directly evaluate the client’s understanding.