A nurse is caring for a client who has pneumonia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to promote thinning of respiratory secretions?
Encourage coughing and deep breathing
Encourage regular use of the incentive spirometer
Encourage the client to increase fluid intake
Encourage the client to ambulate frequently
The Correct Answer is C
Increasing fluid intake helps to hydrate the mucous membranes and thin the respiratory secretions, which facilitates expectoration and improves gas exchange.
- Encourage coughing and deep breathing. This is beneficial for clearing the airways and preventing atelectasis, but it does not directly affect the viscosity of the secretions.
- Encourage regular use of the incentive spirometer. This is helpful for expanding the lungs and preventing complications such as pneumonia or pleural effusion, but it does not influence the consistency of the secretions.
- Encourage the client to ambulate frequently. This is important for promoting circulation and mobility, but it does not have a significant effect on the thinning of the secretions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Suctioning is the priority observation in the client's care, as it prevents airway obstruction and respiratory distress caused by blood, mucus, or secretions. The client has a permanent tracheostomy and cannot cough
or clear the airway effectively. The nurse should assess the need for suctioning frequently and perform it as needed, using sterile technique and maintaining oxygenation.
a) Patency of the intravenous line is important, but not the priority observation in the client's care. The intravenous line provides fluids, electrolytes, and medications to the client, but it does not affect the airway patency or oxygenation.
c) Integrity of the dressing is important, but not the priority observation in the client's care. The dressing protects the surgical site from infection and bleeding, but it does not affect the airway patency or oxygenation.
d) Level of pain is important, but not the priority observation in the client's care. The pain can be managed with analgesics and nonpharmacological measures, but it does not affect the airway patency or oxygenation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Increased anteroposterior diameter of the chest, also known as barrel chest, is a common finding in clients who have COPD with emphysema. It is caused by chronic air trapping and hyperinflation of the lungs, which results in fattening of the diaphragm and widening of the rib cage.
a) Oxygen saturation level 96% is within the normal range of 95% to 100% and does not indicate hypoxemia or impaired gas exchange. Clients who have COPD with emphysema typically have lower oxygen saturation levels, ranging from 88% to 92%.
b) Respiratory alkalosis is a condition in which the blood pH is elevated due to decreased carbon dioxide levels. It is caused by hyperventilation, which can occur in response to hypoxia, anxiety, or pain. Clients who have COPD with emphysema usually have respiratory acidosis, which is a condition in which the blood pH is lowered due to increased carbon dioxide levels. It is caused by hypoventilation, which results from impaired lung function and airway obstruction.
d) Petechiae on chest are small red or purple spots on the skin caused by bleeding from capillaries. They are not a typical finding in clients who have COPD with emphysema, unless they have severe coughing episodes or coagulation disorders. They can indicate infection, inflammation, trauma, or vascular disease.
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