A client with a new diagnosis of hypertension asks why daily exercise is recommended. What is the best explanation?
Exercise helps lower blood pressure by improving heart function and reducing vascular resistance.
A client receiving an opioid for postoperative pain becomes unusually drowsy. What should the nurse do first?
Drowsiness may indicate opioid accumulation or respiratory depression. Checking the respiratory rate is essential.
A client receiving IV fluids reports pain and redness at the IV site. What should the nurse suspect?
Redness and pain at an IV site may indicate phlebitis, an inflammation of the vein.
A client recovering from surgery reports new warmth and redness around the incision. What should the nurse do first?
Warmth and redness may indicate infection. Assessing and reporting early prevents complications.
The nurse is providing care to a client with a urinary catheter. Which action helps prevent infection?
Keeping the drainage bag below bladder level prevents urine backflow, reducing the risk of infection.
A client with anxiety begins rapid, shallow breathing. What is the nurseu2019s first action?
Slow, deep breathing helps correct hyperventilation and reduce anxiety.
A client taking potassium supplements reports nausea. What is the nurseu2019s best initial action?
Taking potassium with food often helps reduce nausea, which is a common side effect of the supplement.
The nurse observes a client with heart failure has 2+ pitting edema in both legs. What should the nurse do first?
Pitting edema indicates fluid retention. Weighing the client provides the most accurate assessment of fluid status changes.
During assessment, a client with COPD has pursed-lip breathing. What does this indicate?
Pursed-lip breathing helps keep airways open longer and indicates the client is attempting to manage air trapping.