A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic heart failure who is experiencing shortness of breath. What is the priority intervention?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer oxygen therapy. In a patient with chronic heart failure experiencing shortness of breath, the priority intervention is to ensure adequate oxygenation to prevent further complications. Administering oxygen therapy helps improve oxygen levels, reducing the workload on the heart. This can alleviate symptoms and prevent worsening of the condition. Administering a bronchodilator (B) may help with bronchospasm but does not address the primary issue of oxygenation. Administering pain relief (C) may be important but not the priority in this case. Administering IV fluids (D) could potentially worsen the patient's heart failure symptoms by increasing fluid volume.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Administer oxygen therapy. Priority intervention is ensuring adequate oxygenation to the patient recovering from surgery. Oxygen therapy helps improve oxygen levels, vital for proper healing and recovery. Administering diuretics (A) is not a priority as the patient's pain needs immediate attention. IV fluids (B) may be necessary, but addressing pain and oxygenation come first. Administering antibiotics (D) is not indicated if the primary concern is pain and oxygen levels.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The ABG results indicate metabolic acidosis (low pH, low HCO₃⁻); Kussmaul respirations are a compensatory mechanism seen in diabetic ketoacidosis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Coarse crackles indicate secretions; sterile suctioning is required to clear the airway effectively.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Continuing deep breathing and coughing exercises at home promotes lung expansion and clearance, indicating proper understanding of post-pneumonia care.