Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 87%
Simulated
A nurse auscultates a client's lung sounds and identifies crackles in the left lower lobe. Which of the following interventions should the nurse take?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
Crackles are abnormal lung sounds that may indicate the presence of fluid or mucus in the lungs. Placing the client on bed rest in a semi-Fowler position helps to improve lung expansion and oxygenation by reducing the pressure on the diaphragm promoting optimal lung ventilation and facilitating drainage of fluid from the affected area of the lung. Fluid restriction is typically for conditions like heart failure not crackles. Antibiotics require evidence of infection and repeating auscultation does not immediately improve oxygenation.