A nurse in a provider’s office is assessing an older adult client whose son reports that the client has been sick with a respiratory illness for the past 6 days. Which of the following assessment findings is a manifestation of pneumonia in the older adult client?

The correct answer is: d. On the nonoperative side

Choice A: Prone

Reason: Placing a patient in the prone position (lying face down) after a pneumonectomy is generally not recommended. This position can compromise respiratory function by restricting chest expansion and increasing the risk of respiratory complications. Additionally, it can place undue pressure on the surgical site, potentially leading to complications such as impaired wound healing or increased pain.

Choice B: Semi-Fowler’s

Reason: The Semi-Fowler’s position (head of the bed elevated to 30-45 degrees) is often used to promote lung expansion and reduce the risk of aspiration. While it can be beneficial for general postoperative care, it is not the optimal position for a patient who has undergone a pneumonectomy. This position does not specifically address the need to prevent fluid accumulation in the remaining lung.

Choice C: Sims

Reason: The Sims position (lying on the side with one leg bent) is typically used for procedures such as enemas or to facilitate drainage of oral secretions. It is not suitable for a postoperative pneumonectomy patient because it does not provide the necessary support to the remaining lung and can increase the risk of fluid shifting to the nonoperative side.

Choice D: On the nonoperative side

Reason: Placing the patient on the nonoperative side is the correct position. This position helps to prevent fluid from accumulating in the remaining lung and reduces the risk of complications such as mediastinal shift or respiratory distress. By positioning the patient on the nonoperative side, gravity helps to keep the remaining lung expanded and functional.

Choice A reason: Using log rolling to reposition the client is not advisable for a client who has increased ICP. Log rolling is a technique that involves moving the client as a unit, without flexing the spine, to prevent spinal cord injury. However, log rolling can also increase ICP by reducing venous drainage from the head and increasing cerebral blood volume. Therefore, the nurse should avoid log rolling the client unless there is a suspected spinal injury.

Choice B reason: Instructing the client to cough and breathe deep is not appropriate for a client who has increased ICP. Coughing and deep breathing can increase intrathoracic pressure, which can reduce venous return to the heart and increase ICP. Additionally, coughing and deep breathing can cause hyperventilation, which can lower the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the blood and cause cerebral vasoconstriction. This can reduce cerebral perfusion and oxygen delivery to the brain.

Choice C reason: Placing a warming blanket on the client is not recommended for a client who has increased ICP. A warming blanket can increase the body temperature, which can increase the metabolic rate and oxygen demand of the brain. This can worsen cerebral ischemia and edema. Moreover, a warming blanket can cause vasodilation, which can increase cerebral blood volume and ICP. Therefore, the nurse should maintain a normal body temperature for the client and avoid hyperthermia.

Choice D reason: Placing the client in a supine position is the best action for the nurse to take for a client who has increased ICP. The supine position is a way of lying on a table with the back, face, and abdomen facing upwards. It is used for various surgeries and examinations, such as cranial, cardiac, abdominal, and thoracic surgery. It can also prevent respiratory, skin, and circulatory problems. The supine position can help lower ICP by facilitating venous drainage from the head and reducing cerebral blood volume [^10^]. However, the nurse should also elevate the head of the bed to 30 degrees to optimize cerebral perfusion pressure and avoid neck flexion or rotation, which can impair venous drainage.