Final answer:
The priority action for a client with bilateral pneumonia and a KaO₂ of 85 is to administer oxygen to correct hypoxemia. Other necessary steps such as antibiotic administration and assessment follow as subsequent care measures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse's priority action for a client with bilateral pneumonia and a KaO₂ of 85 is to administer oxygen. This number likely refers to the oxygen saturation level, which is a measure of the amount of oxygen being carried by the red blood cells in the bloodstream. A normal oxygen saturation level is typically between 95-100%, so a level of 85% is concerning and indicates hypoxemia, signifying an immediate need for oxygen therapy to prevent further hypoxia and potential organ damage. While other actions such as administering antibiotics, assessing respiratory rate, and obtaining a sputum culture are important in the management of pneumonia, they are not as immediately critical as addressing the low oxygen level.
The pulse oximeter is a device that measures blood oxygen levels and is often used in assessing patients with respiratory conditions. The presence of crackling sounds in the lungs, as determined by a stethoscope, and abnormalities on a chest radiograph are indicative of pneumonia. Additionally, if initial antibiotic treatment is ineffective, as in the case studies described, it could indicate a viral, fungal, or antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection, necessitating alternative treatments.