HESI RN CAT Exit Exam 1 Related

Review HESI RN CAT Exit Exam 1 related questions and content

The nurse is performing a physical assessment of a client with a history of smoking and notes a barrel chest. Which action is most important for the nurse to take next?

  • A. Assess the client's oxygen saturation level
  • B. Teach the client pursed-lip breathing techniques
  • C. Determine the client's history of lung disease
  • D. Obtain an arterial blood gas sample
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Assessing the client's oxygen saturation level is crucial when a nurse identifies a barrel chest. A barrel chest is often associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which can lead to impaired gas exchange and decreased oxygen saturation. Monitoring the oxygen saturation level will provide immediate information on the client's respiratory status. Teaching pursed-lip breathing techniques, determining lung disease history, and obtaining arterial blood gas samples are important interventions but assessing oxygen saturation takes precedence in this scenario due to its direct impact on the client's respiratory function.