A nurse is assisting in the care of an older adult client who was admitted from a long-term care facility. Admission Assessment 1400: The client's history includes cigarette smoking for 50 years but quit 3 years ago, Parkinson's disease, and anxiety. Yesterday, the client reported "feeling bad." The client is alert and oriented to self, reports upper chest discomfort, and is coughing up thick clear sputum. Select the 3 findings that require immediate follow-up.
Explanation & Rationale
A. The client's complaint of upper chest discomfort and coughing up thick clear sputum suggests a potential respiratory issue. Checking oxygen saturation is crucial to assess for possible respiratory distress or hypoxia. B. Tremors are a chronic symptom associated with Parkinson's disease in this client. While monitoring tremors is important for assessing Parkinson's disease management, they are not an acute issue requiring immediate follow-up in this scenario. C. Coughing up thick clear sputum and upper chest discomfort indicate potential respiratory distress or infection. Monitoring the respiratory rate helps assess the severity of respiratory distress or compromise. D. Heart rate is a vital sign that can indicate cardiovascular status and response to the client's reported symptoms of feeling bad. Elevated heart rate may indicate stress, pain, or cardiac involvement. E. The client is reported as alert and oriented to self. While changes in level of consciousness are always important to monitor, the client's current alert and oriented state suggests no immediate acute change. F. Chronic health conditions such as Parkinson's disease and anxiety are part of the client's history but are not acute findings that require immediate follow-up compared to the acute symptoms of upper chest discomfort and respiratory distress reported.