Final answer:
For a client with pneumonia, the nurse's priority should be to observe the client performing incentive spirometry to ensure proper lung function. While monitoring intake/output and educating about antibiotics are important, they are not as immediate. Administering vaccines isn't a priority during active infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse caring for a client with pneumonia must prioritize their actions based on the urgency and impact on the client's condition. Among the actions listed, the priority for the nurse would be to observe the client perform incentive spirometry. Incentive spirometry is a respiratory therapy that encourages voluntary deep breathing by providing visual feedback to the patients about their inspiratory volume. It helps prevent or reduce atelectasis and improves lung expansion post-surgery or during illness. Effective incentive spirometry can greatly benefit a pneumonia patient's recovery by promoting better gas exchange and preventing further respiratory complications.
Monitoring intake and output is also important to ensure proper hydration and kidney function, which can be worrisome in pneumonia. Providing teaching about antibiotic therapy is vital, but not the most immediate action. Lastly, administering the influenza vaccine is not an immediate priority in the active management of pneumonia and may be contraindicated during an active infection. Therapy for pneumonia typically includes the use of antibiotics, and the care plan might need adjustments if the disease does not respond to initial treatments, considering potential antibiotic resistance or viral infection.