Author Question: The nurse is planning care for a client with shortness of breath. Which of the following should the ... (Read 52 times)

kwoodring · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

The nurse is planning care for a client with shortness of breath. Which of the following should the nurse do to address the client's activity intolerance?

1. Have a dietary consult for low calorie meals
2. Encourage activity
3. Encourage independence with activities of daily living
4. Consult physical therapy for endurance and musculoskeletal function

Question 2

The nurse working in an adult ICU is given a verbal order by a first-year medical resident. The nurse determines that the best course of action is to check with the attending physician before implementing the order because:

1. The nurse does not like residents.
2. The nurse may not trust the resident to make the best care decisions.
3. The resident seems unsure of the order.
4. The nurse only takes orders from attending physicians.

Pamela.irrgang@yahoo.com · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

4. Consult physical therapy for endurance and musculoskeletal function

Rationale:
The client with shortness of breath will experience activity intolerance due to a lack of oxygen and fatigue. The nurse should consult with physical therapy for endurance and musculoskeletal function. Clients with respiratory disorders often need an increase, not a decrease, in calories to maintain body functions. The client will be weak, so the nurse should not encourage activity or independence with the activities of daily living

Answer to Question 2

2. The nurse may not trust the resident to make the best care decisions.

Rationale:
This type of conflict is most likely caused by a lack of trust for the resident on the part of the nurse. Nurses who work in critical care learn to validate orders given by a resident because a mistake can mean the client's life. The nurse may not like residents, but that is not a reason to question their orders. There is no evidence here that the resident is unsure of the order given. Residents can give orders, preferably written, but the nurse is wise to confirm the order with the managing physician.