The nurse is caring for a client with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Which intervention is most likely to improve oxygenation?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Positioning the client in the prone position. Placing the client in the prone position helps improve oxygenation in ARDS by optimizing ventilation-perfusion matching, reducing ventilation-perfusion mismatch, and improving lung mechanics. This position allows for better distribution of ventilation to the dorsal lung regions, improving oxygenation. Increasing oxygen flow rate (A) may not address the underlying issue of ventilation-perfusion mismatch. Performing frequent oral suctioning (C) is important for airway clearance but may not directly improve oxygenation. Administering a bronchodilator (D) may help in conditions like asthma but is not typically used in ARDS where the primary issue is not bronchoconstriction.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Correct Answer: B Rationale: 1. Losing weight can reduce excess tissue in the throat, which can improve airway patency and decrease symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. 2. Weight loss is a non-invasive, long-term solution for managing OSA. 3. The other choices are incorrect because: A is not true as CPAP therapy is typically a lifelong treatment; C can worsen OSA by promoting airway collapse; D is false as CPAP should be used for the entire duration of sleep to effectively manage OSA.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ensuring proper endotracheal tube placement. This is the priority assessment because an improperly placed tube can lead to inadequate oxygenation or ventilation. Steps to ensure proper placement include assessing breath sounds, chest rise, and tube position on chest X-ray. Checking for pressure ulcers (B) is important but not the priority. Assessing for ventilator-associated pneumonia (C) and monitoring for signs of respiratory alkalosis (D) are important but secondary to ensuring proper tube placement for adequate oxygenation and ventilation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Using my CPAP device will help reduce daytime sleepiness. This statement shows understanding that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is essential in managing obstructive sleep apnea and reducing daytime sleepiness. CPAP helps keep the airway open during sleep, improving oxygen levels and quality of sleep. It is a standard treatment for sleep apnea. Summary of incorrect choices: A: Sleeping on the back can actually worsen obstructive sleep apnea by causing the tongue to fall back and obstruct the airway. C: Stopping CPAP therapy abruptly can lead to symptoms returning or worsening. It is typically a lifelong therapy for most individuals with sleep apnea. D: Sleeping fewer hours will not improve sleep apnea symptoms; in fact, it can exacerbate daytime sleepiness and other symptoms.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Keep the head of the bed elevated to 45 degrees. This is the highest priority action because it helps improve ventilation and oxygenation in clients with COPD by reducing the work of breathing and preventing respiratory complications. Elevating the head of the bed also helps prevent aspiration and promotes comfort. Choice A is incorrect because while ambulation is important, maintaining proper positioning for respiratory function is the priority in COPD. Choice C is incorrect as it does not address the immediate physiological needs of the client's respiratory status. Choice D is incorrect as it is a general task and not specific to managing COPD symptoms.