Elsevier Case studies James Harrison

Meet the Client: James Harrison - correct answer James Harrison, a 9-yr old male, is brought to the Emergency Department (ED) by his mother because he is short of breath and unable to sleep, due to coughing. The nurse assesses James' vital signs. His respirations are rapid and shallow. Which is the best technique for the nurse to use to assess James' respirations accurately? A. Place a hand on James' upper abdomen and observe the rise and fall of the chest. B. Encourage James to breathe as deeply and slowly as possible. C. Watch for nasal flaring and count the air exchanges with each movement. D. Observe chest expansion for 15 seconds and multiply by 4. - correct answer A. Place a hand on James' upper abdomen and observe the rise and fall of the chest. This technique allows the nurse to observe and count each ventilatory cycle, even when respirations are shallow. James' respiratory rate is 36 breaths/min How should the nurse describe James' respiratory pattern? A. Eupnea B. Bradypnea C. Orthopnea D. Tachypnea - correct answer D. Tachypnea