A nurse is assessing a client who is recovering from a lung biopsy. The client's breath sounds are absent. While another nurse calls the Rapid Response Team
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, taking a full set of vital signs, as it is crucial in assessing the client's overall condition and detecting any signs of deterioration. Vital signs include blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, which provide valuable information about the client's cardiovascular and respiratory status. In this scenario, absent breath sounds indicate potential respiratory compromise, making it essential to monitor vital signs for any signs of respiratory distress or instability.
Choice A is incorrect because calling the Rapid Response Team is important, but assessing the client's vital signs should take priority to provide immediate information on the client's condition. Choice C, obtaining pulse oximetry reading, is also important but may not provide a comprehensive assessment of the client's overall condition compared to a full set of vital signs. Choice D, asking about hemoptysis, is not the most urgent action to take in this situation as assessing vital signs would provide more immediate and critical information for the client's management.