A client is admitted for an exacerbation of emphysema. The client has a fever, chills and difficulty breathing on exertion. What
is the priority nursing action based on the client's history and present status?1. Checking for capillary refill2. Encouraging increased fluid intake3. Suctioning secretions from the airway.4. Administering a high concentration of oxygen.
While this patient is suffering from emphysema, and one of the symptoms is difficulty breathing, this is only experienced when the patient is exerting himself/herself. The more pressing matter to attend to is the fever.
Fever is increase in the core body temperature, which induces sweating to help cool the body, which leads to rapid fluid loss. Hence, encouraging increased fluid intake is the first priority that the nurse should act upon.
