A nurse is caring for a client who has a pneumothorax. The nurse is reviewing the client’s medical record.

What prescriptions should the nurse anticipate for a client who has a pneumothorax?

Choice A rationale
While it’s possible for a virus to reactivate in the body, this is not typically the case with the common cold. The common cold is a viral infection primarily in the nose, with most people recovering in seven to ten days.
Choice B rationale
While it’s true that cold season tends to end as the weather warms up, this doesn’t address the patient’s concern about their repeated colds. It’s important to note that colds are caused by viruses, which can be spread year-round, although they are more common in the colder months.
Choice C rationale
This is the correct answer. The common cold is indeed a virus that can be spread by a person two days before they experience any symptoms. This means that people can spread the virus before they know they’re sick, which can make it difficult to avoid catching a cold.
Choice D rationale
While wearing a mask can help prevent the spread of viruses, it’s not typically necessary for someone who is simply sensitive to colds. Masks are more commonly recommended for people who are already sick to prevent them from spreading the virus, or for people who are at high risk of serious complications from the cold.

Choice A rationale
Implementing ventilator-weaning protocols is a crucial intervention in the care plan for a patient on a ventilator to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. These protocols aim to minimize the patient’s exposure to mechanical ventilation, which is a significant risk factor for developing ventilator-associated pneumonia. By systematically reducing the level of ventilatory support, these protocols facilitate the earliest possible liberation from mechanical ventilation, thereby reducing the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Choice B rationale
Providing frequent oral care is another essential intervention in preventing ventilator- associated pneumonia. Oral health can quickly deteriorate in mechanically ventilated patients, leading to an increased risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Regular oral care, including the use of antiseptics, can help reduce the number of potential respiratory pathogens in the oral cavity and prevent their aspiration into the lower respiratory tract.
Choice C rationale
Suctioning the patient every hour is not typically recommended as a standard intervention to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. Over-suctioning can lead to trauma and inflammation in the airway, potentially increasing the risk of infection. Suctioning should be performed based on the patient’s needs and clinical signs, rather than on a fixed schedule.
Choice D rationale
Positioning the patient in a semi-upright position (30 to 45 degrees), rather than a prone position, is recommended to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. This position helps to reduce the risk of aspiration, which is a major risk factor for ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Choice E rationale
Avoiding suctioning the patient is not a recommended strategy for preventing ventilator- associated pneumonia. Suctioning is necessary to clear secretions from the airway, and its omission could potentially increase the risk of infection. However, as mentioned earlier, suctioning should be performed based on the patient’s needs and clinical signs, rather than on a fixed schedule.