An older patient develops rapid, shallow respirations, with retraction of the respiratory muscles. What will the nurse do first to improve this patient's ineffective breathing pattern?
A) Administer oxygen
B) Prevent a respiratory infection
C) Keep the nasal passages patent
D) Raise the bed at least 30°
D
Feedback:
Although any of these interventions may be appropriate at one point or another, raising the bed is the most immediate, effective intervention. The nurse will need to receive an order from the physician for oxygen. Preventing infection and keeping nasal passages patent are not going to help the patient who is experiencing respiratory distress.
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