A nurse is teaching a client who is obese and has obstructive sleep apnea on how to decrease the number of nightly apneic episodes. Which client statement indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Choice A Reason:

“Do not take the medication before bedtime” is incorrect because the timing of medication administration depends on the specific medication and its intended effects. Some medications are specifically prescribed to be taken at bedtime to help with sleep or to reduce side effects that might occur during the day.

Choice B Reason:

“Take the medication with a full glass of water” is correct because many medications require adequate hydration to ensure proper absorption and to prevent irritation of the esophagus and stomach. Taking medication with a full glass of water helps to ensure that the medication reaches the stomach quickly and reduces the risk of esophageal irritation or damage.

Choice C Reason:

“This medication must be taken on an empty stomach” is incorrect unless the specific medication requires it. Some medications are better absorbed on an empty stomach, but this is not a universal rule and depends on the medication’s formulation and intended use.

Choice D Reason:

“Expect abdominal pain with this medication” is incorrect because not all medications cause abdominal pain. If a medication is known to cause abdominal pain, the nurse should provide additional instructions on how to manage this side effect or discuss alternative medications with the healthcare provider.

Choice A reason: While chest physiotherapy can help mobilize secretions, it does not specifically promote the flow of secretions to the base of the lungs. The primary goal is to loosen and mobilize secretions so they can be coughed up and cleared from the airways. This helps improve overall lung function and oxygenation.

Choice B reason: Chest physiotherapy does not eliminate the need to cough. In fact, coughing is an essential part of the process as it helps expel the loosened secretions from the airways. The therapy aims to make coughing more effective by loosening the mucus.

Choice C reason: The primary purpose of chest physiotherapy with percussion and vibration is to help clear the airways of excessive secretions. This is particularly important for patients with conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, or pneumonia, where mucus buildup can obstruct the airways and impair breathing. By loosening and mobilizing the secretions, the therapy facilitates their removal through coughing.

Choice D reason: Chest physiotherapy does not limit the production of bronchial mucus. It focuses on clearing existing mucus from the airways rather than reducing its production. The production of mucus is influenced by underlying conditions and may require other treatments to manage.