Question

The nurse assesses a client with pneumonia and notes decreased lung sounds on the left side and decreased lung expansion. What is the nurse's best action?

A) Increase oxygen flow to 10 L/min.
B) Perform an arterial blood gas analysis.
C) Have the client cough and deep breathe.
D) Check oxygen saturation and notify the health care provider.

Answer 1

The nurse's best action would be to check oxygen saturation and notify the health care provider. Decreased lung sounds and decreased lung expansion are signs of pneumonia, a respiratory infection.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's best action would be to check oxygen saturation and notify the health care provider. Decreased lung sounds and decreased lung expansion are signs of pneumonia, a respiratory infection. Checking oxygen saturation will help determine the severity of the hypoxemia and notifying the health care provider is important to ensure appropriate treatment.