A nurse is discussing the process of evidence-based practice with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following information should the nurse include when discussing a PICOT question?

(A) "I’ll breathe deeply and cough every 4 hours."
Deep breathing and coughing exercises should be done more frequently, typically every 1-2 hours while awake, to help prevent respiratory complications such as atelectasis and pneumonia.

(B) "I’ll splint my incision with a pillow to cough."
This statement indicates an understanding of the instructions. Splinting the incision with a pillow helps support the surgical site, reduces pain, and makes coughing more effective and less uncomfortable. This technique is important for clients to use to help clear secretions from the lungs postoperatively.

(C) "I’ll start to use the incentive spirometer when I can get out of bed."
The use of an incentive spirometer should begin as soon as possible, usually while the client is still in bed, to encourage deep breathing and prevent postoperative respiratory complications. It should not be delayed until the client can get out of bed.

(D) "I’ll lie flat in bed to cough and deep breathe."
Lying flat is not the optimal position for deep breathing and coughing exercises, as it can make it more difficult to fully expand the lungs. The client should be positioned with the head of the bed elevated or sitting up to facilitate better lung expansion and more effective coughing.

A. Abdominal pain: Abdominal pain is not typically associated with respiratory acidosis. Respiratory acidosis is a condition that occurs when the lungs can’t remove enough carbon dioxide, resulting in an acidic blood pH.

B. Lethargy: Lethargy is a common symptom of respiratory acidosis. Patients may experience fatigue, especially during the daytime1. This is due to the increased carbon dioxide levels in the blood, which can cause confusion, drowsiness, and fatigue

C. Dry skin: Dry skin is not a common symptom of respiratory acidosis. The condition primarily affects the respiratory system and does not typically cause skin changes.

D. Numbness of fingers: While numbness of fingers can be a symptom of various conditions, it is not typically associated with respiratory acidosis. The primary symptoms of respiratory acidosis are related to increased carbon dioxide levels in the blood, such as lethargy and confusion.