A nurse is caring for a client who has an acute respiratory illness. For which of the following manifestations of an airway obstruction should the nurse monitor? (Select all that apply.)

A. Position the client on the nonoperative side.

Positioning the client on the nonoperative side after a pneumonectomy may not be the best choice. The positioning of the client post-pneumonectomy should be based on factors such as the individual's comfort, respiratory status, and any specific instructions from the healthcare provider. Placing the client on the nonoperative side may inadvertently put pressure on the surgical site, leading to discomfort or potential complications.

B. Monitor respiratory status every 8 hr.

Monitoring respiratory status every 8 hours is not sufficient for a client post-pneumonectomy. After such a major surgical procedure, respiratory status should be closely monitored and assessed more frequently, especially in the immediate postoperative period. This frequency allows for the early detection of any signs of respiratory distress, such as decreased oxygen saturation, dyspnea, or abnormal breath sounds, as well as complications like pneumothorax or atelectasis.

C. Elevate the head of the bed to a 15° angle.

Elevating the head of the bed to a 15° angle is a general recommendation for clients postoperative to promote respiratory function and reduce the risk of aspiration. However, after a pneumonectomy, the positioning of the client may vary based on their individual condition and surgical approach. It's important to follow the healthcare provider's specific instructions regarding positioning for optimal recovery. The angle of elevation may need to be adjusted based on the client's comfort and respiratory status.

D. Encourage the client to splint the incision when coughing.

After a pneumonectomy, it's crucial to encourage the client to splint the incision when coughing. Splinting the incision with a pillow or hands helps to reduce pain and prevent strain on the surgical site, promoting healing and minimizing the risk of complications such as wound dehiscence (opening of the surgical incision).

A. Place the client in left Sims' position.

Left Sims' position is a lateral position used primarily for rectal examinations or procedures. It involves lying on the left side with the lower arm positioned behind the body and the upper knee flexed. This position is not indicated for a client post-tracheostomy. It does not provide any specific benefit for tracheostomy care and may not be comfortable or appropriate for a client recovering from tracheostomy surgery.

B. Provide humidified air.

Providing humidified air is crucial for clients post-tracheostomy to maintain moisture in the airway and prevent drying of secretions. Tracheostomy bypasses the upper airway's natural humidification mechanism, which can lead to drying of the mucous membranes and increased risk of complications such as mucus plugging and infection. Humidified air helps keep the secretions moist, facilitates their removal, promotes airway clearance, and reduces the risk of complications.

C. Clean the tracheostomy stoma with povidone-iodine.

While povidone-iodine is an antiseptic solution commonly used for skin preparation before invasive procedures, it is not typically used to clean the tracheostomy stoma, especially in the immediate postoperative period. Cleaning the stoma should be performed using sterile technique and appropriate solutions as directed by the healthcare provider. Using povidone-iodine may not be suitable for cleaning the tracheostomy stoma and could potentially irritate the area or introduce contaminants.

D. Use clean technique when providing tracheostomy suctioning.

Tracheostomy suctioning should always be performed using sterile technique to minimize the risk of introducing pathogens into the lower airway and causing infection. Clean technique, which involves washing hands and using clean gloves, is not appropriate for tracheostomy care, particularly in the immediate postoperative period when the risk of infection is higher. Sterile technique involves the use of sterile gloves, sterile suction catheters, and maintaining a sterile field to ensure the safety and cleanliness of the procedure.