In the context of lung physiology, when a client is admitted with pneumonia, what should the nurse primarily assess?

• A. Liver function tests
• B. Blood glucose levels
• C. Lung sounds and respiratory rate
• D. Electrolyte balance

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Begin by understanding the primary concern in pneumonia, which is an infection of the lungs that can affect breathing and oxygen exchange.
2. Recognize that assessing lung sounds and respiratory rate is crucial because pneumonia can cause fluid accumulation and inflammation in the lungs, leading to abnormal lung sounds such as crackles or wheezing.
3. Assessing respiratory rate is important as pneumonia can lead to increased respiratory effort and rate due to impaired gas exchange.
4. Consider the physiological impact of pneumonia on the respiratory system, including potential hypoxia, which can be detected through changes in lung sounds and respiratory rate.
5. Understand that while liver function tests, blood glucose levels, and electrolyte balance are important in overall health assessment, they are not the primary focus in the immediate assessment of pneumonia, which directly affects lung function.