A 78-year-old client is receiving treatment for bacterial pneumonia. During afternoon rounds, the practical nurse (PN) observes that the client, who was previously alert, has suddenly become highly restless, confused, and is actively trying to remove their intravenous (IV) catheter. The client's respiratory rate has increased to 26 breaths/min. Which action should the PN take first?
- Measure the client's current oxygen saturation level.Cevap
- BVerbally reorient the client and dim the lights to decrease stimulation.
- CContact the healthcare provider to request an as-needed sedative medication.
- DApply bilateral soft wrist restraints to protect the intravenous access.
Cevap
The correct action is to measure the client's current oxygen saturation level, as sudden confusion and restlessness strongly indicate acute hypoxia.
The correct action is to measure the client's oxygen saturation because sudden restlessness, confusion, and an increased respiratory rate in a client with pneumonia are classic, early indicators of hypoxia. In the nursing process and ABC prioritization, assessing the client's breathing and oxygenation status is paramount before implementing symptom-management interventions.
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Prioritization of ABCs in Acute Hypoxia