A nurse is teaching a client who has a spinal cord injury about prevention of atelectasis. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?
"Do panting breaths several times a day."
"Perform deep coughing twice a day."
"Strengthen your chest muscles by performing therapy exercises."
"Get plenty of rest throughout the day."
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason:
"Do panting breaths several times a day." This statement is inappropriate. Panting breaths involve rapid, shallow breathing similar to what a dog does when it's hot. This technique may not be as effective in clearing mucus or promoting lung expansion compared to deep coughing. While panting breaths may have some benefits in promoting ventilation and increasing lung volume, they may not be as targeted or efficient in preventing atelectasis as other techniques such as deep coughing
Choice B Reason:
"Perform deep coughing twice a day." This statement is correct. Deep coughing helps clear mucus and secretions from the airways, reducing the risk of blockages that can lead to atelectasis. It promotes airway clearance and lung expansion, maintaining respiratory function. Regular deep coughing is particularly important for individuals with spinal cord injuries, as they may have impaired cough reflexes or weakened respiratory muscles, increasing their vulnerability to atelectasis.
Choice C Reason:
"Strengthen your chest muscles by performing therapy exercises." This statement is incorrect. While strengthening chest muscles through therapy exercises can be beneficial for overall respiratory health, it may not directly target the prevention of atelectasis. Atelectasis is primarily caused by the collapse of lung tissue due to mucus buildup or reduced lung expansion, rather than weakness of chest muscles. While therapy exercises may have other benefits such as improving respiratory function and endurance, they may not be the most effective strategy for preventing atelectasis in individuals with spinal cord injuries.
Choice D Reason:
"Get plenty of rest throughout the day." This statement is incorrect. Rest is important for overall health and well-being, but it may not directly contribute to the prevention of atelectasis. Inactivity and prolonged bed rest can actually increase the risk of atelectasis by reducing lung expansion and promoting mucus accumulation in the airways. While adequate rest is necessary for recovery and energy conservation, it should be balanced with activities that promote lung expansion and airway clearance, such as deep breathing exercises and mobility.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Higher oxygen saturations of 98% to 99% is inappropriate. A pneumothorax involves the presence of air in the pleural space, which can compromise lung function and gas exchange. This compromised lung function typically leads to decreased oxygenation of the blood, resulting in lower oxygen saturations rather than higher saturations.
Choice B Reason:
Lower oxygen saturations of 93% to 94% is appropriate. A pneumothorax disrupts the normal exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs due to partial or complete lung collapse. As a result, the affected lung is unable to adequately oxygenate the blood, leading to lower oxygen saturations, which are indicative of hypoxemia.
Choice C Reason:
Lower energy expenditure is inappropriate. Energy expenditure is not typically affected by a pneumothorax. While the discomfort and respiratory distress associated with a pneumothorax may cause the individual to limit physical activity, there is no direct impact on overall energy expenditure.
Choice D Reason:
Increased lung capacity is inappropriate. A pneumothorax results in partial or complete collapse of the affected lung, reducing lung capacity rather than increasing it. The presence of air in the pleural space creates positive pressure, which can compress the lung and decrease its ability to expand fully during inhalation.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Pupillary dilation is correct. Pupillary changes can indicate neurological dysfunction following a head injury. Dilated pupils may suggest increased intracranial pressure or damage to specific brain structures.
Choice B Reason:
Persistent headache is correct .Headaches are a common symptom following a head injury. Persistent or worsening headaches can indicate ongoing neurological issues and should be monitored closely.
Choice C Reason:
Presence of hand tremors is incorrect. Hand tremors are not typically associated with loss of consciousness following a motor vehicle accident. While hand tremors can occur in various conditions, such as essential tremor or Parkinson's disease, they are not typically a direct manifestation of a head injury. The primary concern immediately following a motor vehicle accident with loss of consciousness is assessing for signs of neurological dysfunction, such as altered level of consciousness, pupillary changes, and persistent headache. Hand tremors may be assessed in other contexts, but they are not directly related to the immediate assessment of a client following a motor vehicle accident with loss of consciousness.
Choice D Reason:
Difficulty waking is correct. Difficulty waking or altered level of consciousness can indicate neurological impairment and may be indicative of a concussion or other brain injury.
E. Foot drop is incorrect. Foot drop refers to difficulty lifting the front part of the foot, which can cause dragging of the foot or toes along the ground while walking. While foot drop can result from various neurological conditions or injuries, it is not typically associated with loss of consciousness following a motor vehicle accident. Loss of consciousness after a motor vehicle accident is more indicative of potential head trauma or concussion, which may present with symptoms such as altered level of consciousness, headache, pupillary changes, or difficulty waking. Foot drop would be more relevant to assess in contexts related to peripheral nerve injury, spinal cord injury, or neurological conditions affecting the lower extremities. Given the scenario provided, foot drop is not a typical manifestation that the nurse would assess for immediately following a motor vehicle accident with loss of consciousness. Therefore, option E is not relevant in this scenario.
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