ATI Proctored Leadership Exam Related

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A client is having difficulty breathing while receiving supplemental oxygen via a nasal cannula in a supine position. Which of the following interventions should the nurse take first?

  • A. Suction the client's airway.
  • B. Instruct the client to perform incentive spirometry every hour.
  • C. Assist the client to an upright position.
  • D. Humidify the client's supplemental oxygen.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Assist the client to an upright position. This is the priority intervention because placing the client in an upright position helps improve lung expansion and oxygenation by optimizing ventilation-perfusion matching. This position also reduces the risk of aspiration and improves overall respiratory function.

Choice A (Suction the client's airway) is not the first intervention because difficulty breathing in this scenario is more likely due to positioning rather than airway obstruction.

Choice B (Instruct the client to perform incentive spirometry every hour) is not the first intervention as it may not address the immediate issue of breathing difficulty related to supine positioning.

Choice D (Humidify the client's supplemental oxygen) is not the first intervention as lack of humidification is not likely the cause of the client's difficulty breathing in this situation.