Adult Health 1 Exam 1 Related

Review Adult Health 1 Exam 1 related questions and content

A client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted with shortness of breath. What is the priority nursing intervention?

  • A. Administer a high-flow oxygen mask.
  • B. Position the client in a high-Fowler's position.
  • C. Provide a high-carbohydrate diet.
  • D. Encourage the client to cough and deep breathe.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a client with COPD experiencing shortness of breath is to position the client in a high-Fowler's position. This position helps improve lung expansion and breathing by reducing respiratory effort. Administering a high-flow oxygen mask (Choice A) may be necessary but is not the priority intervention. Providing a high-carbohydrate diet (Choice C) is not directly related to managing acute shortness of breath in COPD. Encouraging the client to cough and deep breathe (Choice D) is helpful for airway clearance but is not the priority intervention when the client is in distress with acute shortness of breath.