The nurse is caring for a client with pneumonia who has symptoms of a sharp pain "whenever I take a deep breath." Which of the following actions should the nurse take next?
A)Listen to the client's lungs.
B)Administer the PRN morphine.
C)Have the client cough forcefully.
D)Notify the client's health care provider.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The client's statement indicates that pleurisy or a pleural effusion may have developed and the nurse will need to listen for a pleural friction rub or decreased breath sounds. Assessment should occur before administration of pain medications. The client is unlikely to be able to cough forcefully until pain medication has been administered. The nurse will want to obtain more assessment data before calling the health care provider.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client with Pneumonia Who