A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who is preoperative following abdominal surgery about deep breathing and coughing exercises. Which of the following client statements should indicate to the nurse an understanding of the instructions?
"I start to use the incentive spirometer when I can get out of bed."
"I breathe deeply and cough every 4 hours."
"I splint my incision with a pillow to cough."
"I lie flat in bed to cough and deep breathe."
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Using the incentive spirometer is important, but it is not specifically related to deep breathing and coughing exercises.
Choice B reason: Breathing deeply and coughing every 4 hours is part of postoperative care, but it does not indicate understanding of the technique to protect the incision.
Choice C reason: Splinting the incision with a pillow while coughing is a recommended technique to support the incision and reduce pain during coughing, indicating an understanding of the instructions.
Choice D reason: Lying flat is not recommended for deep breathing and coughing exercises as it can inhibit lung expansion and is not conducive to effective coughing.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: While limit-setting is important, it should not be overly strict as it can increase anxiety in patients who are already highly anxious.
Choice B reason: Increasing environmental stimuli may overwhelm a highly anxious patient rather than help them.
Choice C reason: Providing support and a therapeutic milieu offers a safe and structured environment, which can help reduce anxiety and promote healing.
Choice D reason: More freedom can be beneficial, but it must be balanced with the need for a supportive and structured environment for a highly anxious patient.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Fecal impaction typically presents with the inability to pass stool and may not be associated with the absence of bowel sounds.
Choice B reason: Incisional infection is usually indicated by localized redness, warmth, and possible discharge, not necessarily by the absence of bowel sounds or flatus.
Choice C reason: Health care-associated Clostridium difficile often presents with diarrhea, not the absence of bowel sounds or flatus.
Choice D reason: Paralytic ileus is characterized by impaired intestinal motility and transit, absence of the passage of flatus, diminished bowel sounds, abdominal distension, and intestinal dilatation, fitting the symptoms described.

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