A client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted with increased shortness of breath and a productive cough. The nurse notes the client’s oxygen saturation is 88% on room air. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first?
Administering supplemental oxygen.
Encouraging the client to use an incentive spirometer.
Administering a bronchodilator as prescribed.
Positioning the client in high Fowler’s position.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Administering supplemental oxygen is the priority intervention for a client with COPD who has an oxygen saturation of 88% on room air. This low oxygen saturation indicates hypoxemia, which requires immediate correction to prevent further respiratory distress.
Choice B rationale
Encouraging the client to use an incentive spirometer is important for lung expansion and preventing atelectasis, but it is not the priority intervention in this scenario. The immediate concern is to correct the hypoxemia.
Choice C rationale
Administering a bronchodilator as prescribed is important for managing COPD symptoms, but the priority intervention is to correct the hypoxemia by administering supplemental oxygen.
Choice D rationale
Positioning the client in high Fowler’s position can help improve breathing, but the priority intervention is to correct the hypoxemia by administering supplemental oxygen.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute is slightly elevated but not necessarily concerning for a client with COPD. COPD patients often have higher respiratory rates due to their chronic lung condition.
Choice B rationale
A temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) indicates a fever, which could be a sign of infection. However, it is not the most concerning finding in a COPD patient.
Choice C rationale
A pulse oximetry reading of 88% is concerning because it indicates hypoxemia. COPD patients often have lower oxygen levels, but a reading below 90% is worrisome and may require supplemental oxygen or other interventions.
Choice D rationale
A blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg is elevated but not immediately concerning in the context of COPD. It is important to monitor, but it is not the most critical finding.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Enlarged liver (hepatomegaly) and peripheral edema are common clinical manifestations of right heart failure (RHF). RHF leads to congestion of systemic circulation, causing fluid accumulation in the liver and peripheral tissues.
Choice B rationale
Crackles in the lungs are more commonly associated with left-sided heart failure, where fluid backs up into the pulmonary circulation, leading to pulmonary edema.
Choice C rationale
A dry hacking cough is not a typical symptom of right heart failure. It is more commonly associated with respiratory conditions such as asthma or bronchitis.
Choice D rationale
Altered mentation with pinpoint pupils is not a characteristic of right heart failure. These symptoms are more indicative of neurological conditions or opioid overdose.