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 A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Septic shock is a severe infection leading to systemic inflammation, characterized by high fever (39°C), low blood pressure (90/60 mmHg), and signs of organ dysfunction. It is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention.
Choice B rationale
Cardiogenic shock is caused by the heart’s inability to pump blood effectively, leading to hypotension and signs of poor perfusion, but not necessarily high fever.
Choice C rationale
Neurogenic shock results from a disruption in the autonomic pathways, leading to hypotension and bradycardia, but not high fever.
Choice D rationale
Anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic reaction causing hypotension, respiratory distress, and other symptoms, but not typically high fever.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Administering antipyretic medication as prescribed is a priority intervention for a client with a body temperature of 38°C (100.4°F). Antipyretics help reduce fever and provide comfort to the patient. They work by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are involved in the fever response.
Choice B rationale
Encouraging fluid intake to prevent dehydration is also important, but it is not the priority intervention. Adequate hydration helps maintain fluid balance and supports the body’s ability to regulate temperature.
Choice C rationale
Monitoring vital signs every 4 hours is essential for assessing the patient’s condition, but it is not an intervention that directly addresses the fever. It helps track the patient’s response to treatment and detect any changes in their condition.
Choice D rationale
Applying a cooling blanket to reduce fever can be effective, but it is typically used when antipyretic medications are not sufficient or contraindicated. Cooling measures help lower body temperature through conduction and evaporation.