The nurse notes that the patient is utilizing accessory and intercostal muscles to breathe.What is the priority action of the nurse?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient will utilize accessory and intercostal muscles to breathe when each breath requires more effort than usual.The nurse should elevate the head of the patient's bed and begin a careful,rapid respiratory assessment by listening to the patient's lung sounds.The use of accessory and intercostal muscles is not a normal assessment finding.The nurse should obtain the patient's vital signs as the patient's condition may not be stable.This is not the time to instruct the patient about smoking cessation.

The Nurse Notes That the Patient Is Utilizing Accessory and Intercostal