A nurse is caring for a client who has just had a bronchoscopy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Withhold food and liquids until the client's gag reflex returns.
Irrigate the client's throat every 4 hr.
Have the client refrain from talking for 24 hr.
Suction the client's oropharynx frequently.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Withhold food and liquids until the client's gag reflex returns.
This is the correct action. After a bronchoscopy, the client's throat may be numb or irritated from the procedure, which can temporarily impair the gag reflex. Withholding food and liquids until the gag reflex returns reduces the risk of aspiration, where food or liquid enters the airway instead of the stomach. Aspiration can lead to pneumonia and other serious complications. Therefore, it's essential to assess the client's gag reflex before allowing them to eat or drink.
B. Irrigate the client's throat every 4 hours.
This action is not necessary and may even be harmful. Irrigating the client's throat every 4 hours could further irritate the throat and increase discomfort for the client. Unless specifically ordered by the healthcare provider for a specific reason, such as to remove secretions or debris, routine irrigation of the throat is not recommended after a bronchoscopy.
C. Have the client refrain from talking for 24 hours.
There is typically no need for the client to refrain from talking for 24 hours after a bronchoscopy. While the client may experience some throat discomfort and hoarseness, restricting talking for such an extended period is unnecessary and may cause undue stress or anxiety for the client. Unless specifically instructed by the healthcare provider for a valid reason, such as to allow vocal cord healing, there is no need to restrict talking for such a long duration.
D. Suction the client's oropharynx frequently.
Frequent suctioning of the client's oropharynx is not indicated unless there is a specific medical reason to do so. Excessive suctioning can cause trauma to the mucous membranes, increase the risk of infection, and exacerbate throat irritation. The decision to suction should be based on clinical assessment, such as evidence of secretions or if the client is having difficulty clearing their airway, rather than being performed routinely.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Inspiratory stridor
Inspiratory stridor is a high-pitched, musical sound heard during inspiration and is typically caused by turbulent airflow due to partial obstruction of the upper airway. It is commonly associated with conditions such as croup, epiglottitis, or anaphylaxis. While respiratory distress may occur in a pneumothorax, inspiratory stridor specifically suggests an upper airway obstruction rather than a pneumothorax.
B. Expiratory wheeze
Expiratory wheeze is a high-pitched, musical sound heard during expiration and is typically associated with conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or bronchiolitis. Wheezing occurs due to narrowing of the airways, leading to turbulent airflow during expiration. While a pneumothorax can cause respiratory distress, it is not typically associated with wheezing.
C. Absence of breath sounds
The absence of breath sounds over a particular area of the chest can indicate a pneumothorax. In a pneumothorax, air accumulates in the pleural space, causing partial or complete collapse of the lung and preventing it from making contact with the chest wall. This absence of breath sounds over the affected area is a classic finding in a pneumothorax and is crucial for its detection.
D. Coarse crackles
Coarse crackles are discontinuous, bubbling or popping sounds heard during inspiration and may be indicative of conditions such as pneumonia, pulmonary edema, or bronchiectasis. These crackles are typically heard when there is fluid or mucus in the airways. While a pneumothorax can cause respiratory distress, it does not typically produce crackles on auscultation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Encourage the client to drink 8 glasses of water a day.
This is the correct choice. Clients with COPD often have thickened respiratory secretions due to chronic inflammation and mucus production. Adequate hydration helps to keep these secretions thin, making them easier to cough up and clear from the airways. Encouraging the client to drink plenty of fluids, such as water, can assist in maintaining optimal hydration levels and promoting effective airway clearance.
B. Instruct the client to cough every 4 hours.
Instructing the client to cough on a scheduled basis, such as every 4 hours, is not appropriate for managing COPD. While coughing is important for clearing respiratory secretions, the frequency of coughing should be based on the client's individual needs and symptoms. Some clients with COPD may need to cough more frequently, while others may need to cough less often. It's important to encourage the client to cough as needed to clear secretions rather than on a predetermined schedule.
C. Provide the client with a low-protein diet.
Providing the client with a low-protein diet is not recommended for managing COPD. Adequate protein intake is important for maintaining muscle strength, including respiratory muscles, and supporting overall health. Clients with COPD may have increased energy needs due to the increased work of breathing and should be encouraged to consume a balanced diet that includes adequate protein.
D. Advise the client to lie down after eating.
Advising the client to lie down after eating is not recommended for managing COPD. Lying down after eating can increase pressure on the diaphragm and make breathing more difficult, especially for individuals with compromised lung function. It's generally recommended for individuals with COPD to remain in an upright position after eating to minimize respiratory discomfort and reduce the risk of aspiration.
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