Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 90%
Full-length
The nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for surgery in 2 hours and is reporting anxiety and shortness of breath. The client has a heart rate of 110/min and respiratory rate of 24/min. Which of the following actions would be a priority for the nurse to take?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
Placing the client in Fowler or high Fowler position improves lung expansion and oxygenation, addressing shortness of breath and tachycardia caused by anxiety or potential respiratory distress. Lorazepam requires a prescription, bronchodilators are not indicated without wheezing, and reassurance alone does not address physical symptoms.