Which intervention is most important for a patient with rib fractures?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because deep breathing and coughing help prevent respiratory complications such as pneumonia in patients with rib fractures. Encouraging these actions can prevent atelectasis and promote lung expansion. Option A is incorrect because binding the chest tightly can restrict breathing and exacerbate respiratory issues. Option C is incorrect as pain medication should be administered as needed for adequate pain control. Option D is incorrect because restricting fluid intake does not directly address the respiratory complications associated with rib fractures.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The presence of thick, green sputum suggests an infection with bacteria. Pneumonia is characterized by an infection in the lungs leading to sputum production. This aligns with the patient's chronic cough and sputum color. Bronchitis typically presents with clear or white sputum. Tuberculosis usually causes bloody or yellowish sputum. Pulmonary embolism does not typically cause sputum production. Therefore, option C, pneumonia, is the most likely condition based on the symptoms described.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Perform tracheal suctioning. When a patient with a tracheostomy is unable to clear secretions, suctioning is necessary to remove the accumulated secretions and maintain a clear airway. This prevents potential complications such as airway obstruction and respiratory distress. Administering a mucolytic (B) may help loosen secretions but does not address the immediate need for clearing them. Encouraging the patient to cough forcefully (C) may not be effective if the secretions are too thick or if the patient is unable to cough effectively. Increasing fluid intake (D) may help in thinning secretions but will not address the immediate need for clearing them.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increase the patient's fluid intake. Thick pulmonary secretions can be effectively thinned out by increasing hydration, making it easier for the patient to clear the secretions through coughing and expectoration. This intervention helps to improve lung function and prevent complications such as respiratory infections. Postural drainage and percussion (Choice A) are interventions for mobilizing secretions in specific lung segments but may not address the underlying issue of thick secretions. Administering bronchodilators (Choice C) is appropriate for conditions like asthma or COPD but not directly for thick secretions. Encouraging the use of a peak flow meter (Choice D) is helpful for monitoring lung function but does not directly address the thickness of pulmonary secretions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct first action is to assess oxygen saturation (Choice B) to determine the patient's respiratory status. This step is crucial in identifying if the patient is hypoxic, which could be life-threatening. Encouraging deep breathing (Choice A) may worsen dyspnea if there is an underlying respiratory compromise. Notifying the healthcare provider (Choice C) should come after assessing the oxygen saturation. Positioning the patient in high Fowler's (Choice D) may provide comfort but does not address the immediate need to assess oxygen saturation for appropriate intervention.