A nurse is teaching a client who is obese and has obstructive sleep apnea how to decrease the number of nightly apneic episodes. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?
"If I could lose about 50 pounds, I might stop having so many apneic episodes."
"I sleep better if I take a sleeping pill at night."
"It might help if I tried sleeping only on my back."
"I should get a humidifier to run at my bedside at night."
The Correct Answer is A
This statement indicates an understanding of the teaching, as weight loss is one of the most effective ways to decrease the number of nightly apneic episodes in clients who are obese and have obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which the upper airway collapses or becomes blocked during sleep, causing pauses in breathing and hypoxia. Obesity is a major risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea, as excess fat tissue around the neck and throat can narrow the airway and increase its collapsibility. Losing weight can reduce the pressure on the airway and improve its patency.
b) "I sleep better if I take a sleeping pill at night." This statement indicates a lack of understanding of the teaching, as sleeping pills are not recommended for clients who have obstructive sleep apnea. Sleeping pills can worsen the condition by relaxing the muscles of the throat and tongue, which can further obstruct the airway and decrease the arousal response to hypoxia. The nurse should advise the client to avoid sleeping pills and other sedatives or alcohol before bedtime.
c) "It might help if I tried sleeping only on my back." This statement indicates a lack of understanding of the teaching, as sleeping on the back is not helpful for clients who have obstructive sleep apnea. Sleeping on the back can increase the risk of airway obstruction by allowing gravity to pull the tongue and soft palate backward, which can block the airway and cause snoring and apnea. The nurse should suggest that the client try sleeping on the side or elevate the head of the bed to prevent this.
d) "I should get a humidifier to run at my bedside at night." This statement indicates a lack of understanding of the teaching, as a humidifier is not likely to decrease the number of nightly apneic episodes in clients who have obstructive sleep apnea. A humidifier can moisten the air and ease breathing for clients who have dry or irritated nasal passages, but it does not address the underlying cause of airway obstruction or hypoxia. The nurse should inform the client that a humidifier may not be effective for obstructive sleep apnea and may increase the risk of infection or mold growth if not cleaned properly.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Keeping the drainage system below the level of the client's chest prevents backflow of fluid or air into the
pleural space and maintains negative pressure in the system.
a) Disconnecting the chest tube from the drainage system during transport is dangerous and can cause pneumothorax, infection, or bleeding. The chest tube should remain connected to the drainage system at all times unless ordered by the provider.
b) Emptying the collection chamber prior to transport is unnecessary and can interfere with accurate measurement of drainage. The collection chamber should be emptied only when it is full or at the end of each shift.
c) Clamping the chest tube prior to transferring the client to a wheelchair is contraindicated and can cause tension pneumothorax, as it prevents air from escaping the pleural space. The chest tube should only be clamped for a brief period when changing the drainage system or checking for air leaks, and only with a provider's order.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
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.
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