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Difficulty: MediumCollaboration with Interdisciplinary Team

A nurse is caring for an 82-year-old client who was admitted with a severe exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia. The client is visibly restless, has a respiratory rate of 28 breaths/min, and is struggling to effectively expectorate thick pulmonary secretions. The client's spouse is at the bedside and appears highly anxious about the client's breathing. Which of the following actions represents the most appropriate interdisciplinary collaboration and clinical prioritization for this client?

  1. Consult with the respiratory therapist to administer prescribed nebulized treatments and assist with targeted airway clearance techniques.Answer
  2. B
    Delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to perform deep oropharyngeal suctioning and evaluate the client's sputum for changes.
  3. C
    Request an urgent consultation with the case manager to arrange for home oxygen therapy equipment for the upcoming discharge.
  4. D
    Inform the spouse that a weakened cough reflex and retained secretions are expected physiological changes related to the normal aging process.

Answer

Consult with the respiratory therapist to administer prescribed nebulized treatments and assist with targeted airway clearance techniques.
The client is experiencing an acute respiratory issue characterized by thick secretions and tachypnea, which compromises the airway and breathing. Collaborating directly with the respiratory therapist addresses the most urgent physiological need by utilizing the specific interdisciplinary team member whose expertise encompasses airway clearance techniques and respiratory pharmacology.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Assess the client's immediate clinical presentation and vital signs.
The client is exhibiting restlessness, tachypnea (28 breaths/min), and an inability to clear thick secretions, indicating acute airway and breathing compromise.
Applying the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) framework helps identify the most life-threatening issue that requires immediate intervention.
2
Determine the appropriate interdisciplinary team member whose scope of practice matches the highest priority need.
The respiratory therapist is identified as the optimal team member to assist with acute airway clearance and breathing treatments.
Effective interdisciplinary collaboration requires matching a specific clinical deficit with the appropriate specialist to ensure safe and timely care delivery.

Key Concept

Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Prioritization in Acute Respiratory Compromise
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Topics

Collaboration with Interdisciplinary Team

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