An 84-year-old male client is admitted for severe dyspnea. Which ...

[EAugust]

An 84-year-old male client is admitted for severe dyspnea. Which nursing intervention should the nurse perform initially?
 
  a. Administer humidified oxygen via mask at 8 liters per minute while performing the health history and physical assessment.
  b. Notify the health care provider of the client's condition immediately.
  c. Place the client in Fowler's or a forward-leaning position over a padded, raised overbed table with arms and head resting on the table.
  d. Start intravenous normal saline solution at a keep vein open rate for the anticipated administration of emergency medications.

Question 2

Which of these respiratory assessments would be normal for a 24-year-old client?
 
  a. exhibits costal, sternal, and subclavicular retractions with nasal flaring at a rate of 28 per minute, and complains of shortness of breath
  b. exhibits very shallow respirations at a rate of 8 per minute
  c. uses abdominal muscles at a rate of 12 per minute, without complaints of dizziness
  d. uses thoracic muscles at a rate of 18 per minute

[alexanderhamilton]

Answer to Question 1

C
Positioning for a dyspneic client would be to maintain a semi-Fowler's or Fowler's position, never in a flat position. Chronic COPD clients may prefer to be positioned in a forward-leaning position over a padded, raised overbed table with arms and head resting on the table.

Answer to Question 2

D
The respiratory assessment findings in an adult would reveal the use thoracic muscles and a rate of 12 to 20 per minute.

[EAugust]

Thank you!

[alexanderhamilton]

Always glad to help...