A nurse is developing a plan of care for an 80-year-old client who is postoperative. This client has a 38 pack-year smoking history. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan to prevent pulmonary complications?
Place suction equipment at the bedside.
Perform range of motion (ROM) exercises.
Administer an expectorant.
Encourage the use of incentive spirometry.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Placing suction equipment at the bedside is a preparatory measure but not a preventive intervention for pulmonary complications.
Choice B reason: Performing ROM exercises is beneficial for overall mobility but does not directly prevent pulmonary complications.
Choice C reason: Administering an expectorant may help clear secretions but is not the primary preventive measure for pulmonary complications.
Choice D reason: Encouraging the use of incentive spirometry is a proven intervention to prevent pulmonary complications by promoting lung expansion and preventing atelectasis, especially in patients with a history of smoking.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: An embolic stroke is caused by an embolus traveling to the brain and blocking a blood vessel. The symptoms described do not specifically indicate an embolic stroke.
Choice B reason: A hemorrhagic stroke, which is bleeding within the brain, often presents with a sudden, severe headache, vomiting, and a change in consciousness, aligning with the symptoms described.
Choice C reason: A thrombotic stroke is caused by a thrombus forming in a blood vessel in the brain. While it can cause similar symptoms, the sudden severe headache is more characteristic of a hemorrhagic stroke.
Choice D reason: A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain. The symptoms usually resolve within minutes to hours and do not typically include a severe headache or vomiting.

Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Evaluating the effectiveness of opioid analgesics is crucial as pain management is a primary concern for patients experiencing a sickle cell crisis.
Choice B reason: Limiting the patient's intake of oral and IV fluids is not recommended as hydration is important for patients with sickle cell crisis to reduce blood viscosity and improve circulation.
Choice C reason: Teaching the patient about high-protein, high-calorie foods is beneficial for long-term management but is not the immediate nursing intervention during a crisis.
Choice D reason: Encouraging ambulation may be part of recovery but is not the primary intervention during an acute sickle cell crisis due to the risk of pain exacerbation.
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