A man has been admitted to the hospital unit with a medical diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). He is receiving supplemental oxygen at 2 L/min via a nasal cannula. Which positioning technique will best assist him with breathing?
Fowler's position
Sim's position
Prone position
Lateral position
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Fowler's position is a semisitting position with the head of the bed elevated at 45 to 60 degrees. This position allows for maximum expansion of the chest and improves ventilation and oxygenation. It also reduces the work of breathing and prevents the abdominal organs from compressing the diaphragm.
Choice B reason: Sim's position is a sidelying position with the lower arm behind the back and the upper knee flexed. This position is used for patients who are unconscious, have difficulty swallowing, or are receiving an enema. It does not facilitate breathing or oxygenation for patients with COPD.
Choice C reason: Prone position is a lying position with the face down and the arms at the sides or bent at the elbows. This position is used for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or severe lung injury to improve oxygenation and reduce lung inflammation. It is not recommended for patients with COPD as it may increase the risk of aspiration, pressure ulcers, and nerve damage.
Choice D reason: Lateral position is a sidelying position with the upper leg slightly flexed and supported by a pillow. This position is used for patients who are resting or sleeping to prevent pressure ulcers and promote comfort. It does not improve breathing or oxygenation for patients with COPD.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Use gentle brushing and flossing techniques for clients with fragile mucosa is an important nursing intervention, but it is not the priority. Gentle brushing and flossing can help prevent plaque, gingivitis, and infection in the oral cavity, especially for clients with fragile mucosa due to dehydration, medication, or radiation. However, this intervention is not as urgent as having a suction apparatus ready at the bedside.
Choice B reason: Handle dentures with care is an important nursing intervention, but it is not the priority. Handling dentures with care can prevent damage, loss, or misplacement of the dentures, which can affect the client's comfort, appearance, and nutrition. However, this intervention is not as urgent as having a suction apparatus ready at the bedside.
Choice C reason: Position the client on one side with the head turned towards you is an important nursing intervention, but it is not the priority. Positioning the client on one side with the head turned towards you can facilitate the access and visibility of the oral cavity, as well as prevent the aspiration of saliva, blood, or debris. However, this intervention is not as effective as having a suction apparatus ready at the bedside.
Choice D reason: Have a suction apparatus ready at the bedside is the priority nursing intervention, because it can prevent the aspiration of saliva, blood, or debris, which can cause choking, pneumonia, or respiratory distress. Having a suction apparatus ready at the bedside can allow the nurse to quickly and safely remove any secretions or foreign materials from the oral cavity or the airway of the unconscious client.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Inspecting the client's skin is the nurse's priority, because it is the most urgent and relevant action. Inspecting the client's skin can help identify any signs of infection, injury, or infestation, such as wounds, rashes, ulcers, or lice. The client's skin may be compromised by the lack of hygiene, exposure to the elements, or poor nutrition. The client's skin may also be a source of transmission of pathogens to other clients or staff. Therefore, inspecting the client's skin is essential for the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of the client's condition.
Choice B reason: Providing a towel and showing the client to the shower is not the nurse's priority, because it is not the most urgent and relevant action. Providing a towel and showing the client to the shower is an important intervention, but it should be done after inspecting the client's skin and ensuring the safety and infection prevention of the client and others. The client may have wounds, rashes, or ulcers that need to be cleaned, dressed, or treated before bathing. The client may also have lice or scabies that need to be isolated and treated with special shampoos or creams before bathing. The client may also need assistance or supervision during bathing, depending on the client's physical and mental status.
Choice C reason: Asking if the client has been to a homeless shelter recently is not the nurse's priority, because it is not the most urgent and relevant action. Asking if the client has been to a homeless shelter recently is an important question, but it should be done after inspecting the client's skin and providing a towel and showing the client to the shower. The client's history of homelessness and shelter use may provide some information about the client's social and environmental factors, such as exposure to violence, abuse, or disease, or access to resources, services, or support. However, this information is not as critical as the client's skin condition, which may require immediate attention and care.
Choice D reason: Calling a social worker is not the nurse's priority, because it is not the most urgent and relevant action. Calling a social worker is an important referral, but it should be done after inspecting the client's skin, providing a towel and showing the client to the shower, and asking if the client has been to a homeless shelter recently. The social worker can help the client with the psychosocial and practical aspects of homelessness, such as finding a shelter, applying for benefits, accessing health care, or addressing mental health or substance abuse issues. However, this referral is not as urgent as the client's skin condition, which may require immediate attention and care.
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