A nurse working in the emergency department (ED) is admitting a client. Exhibits Click to highlight the findings that indicate the client is progressing in their plan of care. To deselect a finding, click on the finding again. To deselect a finding, click on the finding again. Nurses' Notes Day 4, 1030: Client states, "It is easier to breathe and I'm not as short of breath." Lung sounds still diminished with crackles. No wheezes detected. Client is on oxygen at 1 U/min via nasal cannula and oxygen saturation is 92%. Client reports pleuritic chest pain as 3 on a scale of 0 to 10. Cough is productive and sputum is yellow. Drinking 2 L per day. Voided 200 ml of clear yellow urine.

Easier to breathe and less short of breath: The client reports improvement in breathing, stating it is easier to breathe and they are less short of breath. This suggests that the respiratory status is improving, which is a key indicator of progress. Lung sounds still diminished with crackles, but no wheezes detected: While lung sounds are still diminished and crackles remain, the absence of wheezes indicates that the client’s condition is stabilizing. Wheezing would be concerning for bronchospasm or worsening respiratory distress, so the absence of this finding is a positive development. Oxygen saturation 92%: The client’s oxygen saturation has improved from 88% on room air (Day 1) to 92% on 1 L/min of oxygen. Although still slightly below the target of 94%–98%, this improvement is a sign that oxygenation is improving with the current treatment. Pleuritic chest pain reduced to 3/10: The client's report of pleuritic chest pain has decreased from 6/10 to 3/10. This reduction in pain indicates a positive response to treatment and the improvement of the underlying infection. Increased oral intake (drinking 2 L/day): The client is drinking 2 L of fluids per day, which indicates adequate hydration and may help with recovery, particularly in the context of respiratory and infection management. Normal urine output (200 mL of clear yellow urine): The client’s urine output appears adequate, and the urine is clear and yellow, which suggests proper hydration and normal renal function, supporting overall recovery.