A nurse is caring for a client who has just had a bronchoscopy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. "You should inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth during purse-lipped breathing."

Pursed-lip breathing is a breathing technique commonly used by individuals with COPD to help improve breathing efficiency and manage dyspnea (shortness of breath). During purse-lip breathing, the individual inhales slowly through the nose and exhales slowly and gently through pursed lips, creating a slight resistance to the airflow. This technique helps to keep the airways open longer during exhalation, reduces air trapping, and improves oxygenation.

B. "Your inspiration should be longer than expiration during purse-lipped breathing."

Pursed-lip breathing typically involves making both the inspiration and expiration longer than usual. The focus is on slowing down the breathing rate and extending the exhalation phase to promote better gas exchange and reduce respiratory effort.

C. "You should cough forcefully during exhalation when you are purse-lipped breathing."

Pursed-lip breathing is a gentle breathing technique used to promote relaxation and control of breathing. Forceful coughing during exhalation is not part of purse-lip breathing and may not be appropriate, especially for individuals with COPD who are prone to airway irritation and bronchospasm.

D. "You should be flat on your back when you perform purse-lipped breathing."

The position for performing purse-lip breathing is not specific to lying flat on the back. Individuals can perform purse-lip breathing in various positions that are comfortable and allow for effective breathing, such as sitting upright or leaning slightly forward. The key is to find a position that facilitates relaxation and optimal lung expansion.

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.