A client with terminal cancer of the lung complains of being short of breath with bilateral crackles and wheezes, despite oxygen at 4 L via nasal cannula and diuretic therapy. What nursing interventions are appropriate for this client?
1. Move the client to a room closer to the nurse's desk for closer observation.
2. Help the client assume a position lying on the right side.
3. Place a fan in the room to move air around the client.
4. Change the client's oxygen therapy to a non-rebreathing mask.
5. Elevate the head of the client's bed to a Fowler's position.
6. Consider use of a p.r.n. morphine sulfate order.
Correct Answer: 3,5,6
Rationale 1: The client does not need to be moved to a room closer to the nurse's station.
Rationale 2: Lateral positions are appropriate for unconscious clients but not for those that are conscious.
Rationale 3: Placement of a fan to circulate air might relieve shortness of breath.
Rationale 4: Conscious clients who are short of breath do not tolerate oxygen therapy by mask.
Rationale 5: Elevating the head of the bed might relieve shortness of breath.
Rationale 6: Use of morphine sulfate might relieve shortness of breath.
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