A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is postoperative following a pneumonectomy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Position the client on the nonoperative side.
Monitor respiratory status every 8 hr.
Elevate the head of the bed to a 15° angle.
Encourage the client to splint the incision when coughing.
The Correct Answer is D
a. Position the client on the nonoperative side: The client should be positioned on the operative side to facilitate expansion of the remaining lung.
b. Monitor respiratory status every 8 hr: Postoperative respiratory status should be monitored more frequently than every 8 hours to assess for complications, especially in the initial
postoperative period.
c. Elevate the head of the bed to a 15° angle: The head of the bed should be elevated to a higher angle (usually 30-45 degrees) to promote optimal lung expansion and reduce the risk of
complications such as atelectasis.
d. Encourage the client to splint the incision when coughing: Encouraging the client to splint the incision when coughing helps minimize pain and supports effective coughing to prevent
complications such as atelectasis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
a. Increasing dyspnea: Atelectasis is the collapse of alveoli, leading to decreased lung volume and impaired gas exchange. Dyspnea (difficulty breathing) is a common symptom as the lung's ability to oxygenate the blood is compromised.
b. Dry cough: A dry cough may be present, but it is not specific to atelectasis. It can occur for various reasons postoperatively.
c. Facial flushing: Facial flushing is not a typical finding in atelectasis. It is more commonly associated with conditions such as fever or allergic reactions.
d. Decreasing respiratory rate: Atelectasis can lead to increased respiratory rate as the body tries to compensate for decreased lung function. A decreasing respiratory rate would be less likely in the presence of atelectasis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
a. Provide humidified oxygen: Humidification helps prevent the drying of mucous membranes, making secretions more manageable and less tenacious. This is an acceptable method to thin
secretions in a client with a tracheostomy.
b. Prelubricate the suction catheter tip with sterile saline when suctioning the airway: While lubrication with sterile saline is a common practice during suctioning to reduce trauma to the airway, it does not directly address the tenacity of secretions.
c. Perform chest physiotherapy prior to suctioning: Chest physiotherapy is a technique used to mobilize respiratory secretions, but it may not directly address the tenacity of secretions.
d. Hyperventilate the client with 100% oxygen before suctioning the airway: Hyperventilation with 100% oxygen is not a routine practice and may lead to respiratory alkalosis. Providing
humidified oxygen is a more appropriate approach.
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