A nurse is caring for a client in the emergency department. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care? Select all that apply.
Explanation & Rationale
A. Place the client in a supine position: The supine position can worsen dyspnea by limiting diaphragmatic movement and decreasing lung expansion. Clients with respiratory distress should be positioned upright or semi-Fowler’s to facilitate breathing. B. Instruct the client to perform diaphragmatic breathing: Diaphragmatic breathing helps improve oxygenation and ventilation by promoting deeper, more efficient breaths. It also reduces accessory muscle use and can decrease anxiety associated with shortness of breath. C. Increase oxygen flow rate to 4 L/min: Oxygen should be titrated to maintain target saturation (usually 92–94% for COPD risk patients). The client’s current oxygen saturation is 92% on 2 L/min, so increasing the flow is unnecessary at this time. D. Assess the client's breath sounds: Ongoing assessment of breath sounds is essential to monitor for changes such as wheezing, crackles, or diminished air entry, which guide interventions and evaluate response to therapy. E. Restrict the client's fluid intake: Fluid restriction is not indicated in this client’s current presentation. Adequate hydration helps thin secretions, making coughing and airway clearance more effective. F. Perform chest percussion and vibration: Chest physiotherapy techniques like percussion and vibration can help loosen and mobilize secretions, improving airway clearance in clients with productive cough and retained secretions.