A healthcare professional assesses a client's respiratory status. Which information is of highest priority for the healthcare professional to obtain?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Occupation & hobbies. This information is crucial as certain occupations or hobbies may expose the client to respiratory hazards, influencing their respiratory status. The healthcare professional needs to assess potential respiratory risks in the client's environment. A: Average daily fluid intake is important for overall health but not directly related to respiratory status assessment. B: Neck circumference is more relevant for assessing risk of obstructive sleep apnea rather than overall respiratory status. C: Height & weight are important for assessing overall health and potential respiratory issues like obesity, but not as immediate as assessing respiratory hazards in the client's daily activities.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step 1: Wheezes indicate narrowing of the airways, typically seen in conditions like asthma. Step 2: Inhaled bronchodilators help dilate the airways, relieving wheezing and improving breathing. Step 3: Hence, administering an inhaled bronchodilator is the correct intervention for wheezes. Summary: A: Increasing oxygen flow does not directly address the issue of wheezes. B: Encouraging coughing does not address the narrowing of airways seen with wheezes. D: Deep breathing does not specifically target the narrowing of airways associated with wheezes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Do you have any chronic breathing problems? This question is relevant because equal AP and lateral chest diameters can indicate a barrel chest, which is often associated with chronic breathing problems like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Chronic breathing problems can lead to this specific chest shape due to increased lung volume. Choice A is incorrect as it does not directly relate to the physical assessment findings. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses on exercise habits rather than the client's current health status. Choice D is incorrect as it does not address the potential underlying health issue indicated by the chest measurements.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Absent breath sounds. This finding requires immediate action because it could indicate a pneumothorax, which is a potentially life-threatening complication following a lung biopsy. Absent breath sounds suggest air trapped in the pleural space, leading to lung collapse. Immediate intervention is necessary to prevent respiratory distress. A: Increased temperature is concerning but may indicate infection, which would require monitoring and possibly treatment, but it is not as urgent as addressing a potential pneumothorax. C: Productive cough is common post-lung biopsy and may be managed symptomatically. It does not typically require immediate action. D: Incisional discomfort is expected after a biopsy and can be managed with pain medication. It does not indicate a critical issue requiring immediate intervention.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because ensuring informed consent is crucial before any invasive procedure to protect the client's autonomy and rights. This involves confirming the client's understanding of the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives. Option B is correct as it directly relates to the ethical and legal aspect of the procedure. Option A is incorrect as it focuses solely on monitoring oxygen saturation, which is important but not the priority before thoracentesis. Option C is incorrect as simply explaining the procedure does not ensure the client's understanding or consent.