While the nurse tries to obtain a sputum specimen from the patient who has pneumonia, the patient becomes short of breath, and the respiratory rate increases. Which intervention does the nurse implement next?
a. Completes the sputum collection quickly
b. Clears the patient's airway with suctioning
c. Provides prescribed supplemental oxygen
d. Instructs the patient to lie flat and breathe deeply
C
The nurse stops the procedure; provides supplemental oxygen; and instructs the patient to take several slow, deep breaths to restore oxygen saturation. Collection of the sputum is now second-ary to the oxygenation level. The patient must be stabilized first; then the collection can continue. Suctioning is only appropriate when the airway is compromised. The nurse helps the patient to semi-Fowler's or high-Fowler's position, whichever is most comfortable for the patient, to faci-litate chest expansion. The nurse avoids the supine position because lying flat increases the work of breathing.
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Indicate whether the statement is true or false
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