During an assessment, the nurse notes a client with heart failure has shortness of breath while resting. What should the nurse do first?
Shortness of breath at rest may indicate worsening heart failure. Checking oxygen saturation helps determine immediate respiratory status.
A client reports constipation while taking iron supplements. What is the nurseu2019s best response?
Increasing fiber and fluids helps manage constipation, a common side effect of iron supplements.
A client taking a new antihypertensive medication reports dizziness. What should the nurse do first?
Dizziness may be a sign of low blood pressure. Assessing vital signs helps determine whether the medication is lowering BP too much.
A client reports redness and warmth around a surgical incision. What should the nurse do first?
Redness and warmth may indicate infection. Assessing and reporting early helps prevent complications.
A diabetic client reports increased hunger, sweating, and trembling. What should the nurse do?
These symptoms indicate hypoglycemia. Providing fast-acting glucose helps restore normal blood sugar.
The nurse is caring for a client receiving IV fluids who suddenly reports swelling at the IV site. What should the nurse suspect?
Swelling indicates possible infiltration, where IV fluid enters surrounding tissue.
A client with pneumonia has thick mucus and difficulty coughing. What action should the nurse take?
Fluids help thin mucus, making it easier to cough out and improving airway clearance.
A client receiving an opioid for postoperative pain reports difficulty staying awake. What should the nurse check first?
Opioids can cause respiratory depression. Assessing respiratory rate ensures client safety.
The nurse observes a client with COPD using accessory muscles to breathe. What is the priority action?
Using accessory muscles indicates respiratory effort. Positioning in high Fowleru2019s improves lung expansion.