nurse is caring for a client who has an acute respiratory failure (ARF). The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following manifestations of this condition? (Select all that apply.)

The correct answer is: d. On the nonoperative side

Choice A: Prone

Reason: Placing a patient in the prone position (lying face down) after a pneumonectomy is generally not recommended. This position can compromise respiratory function by restricting chest expansion and increasing the risk of respiratory complications. Additionally, it can place undue pressure on the surgical site, potentially leading to complications such as impaired wound healing or increased pain.

Choice B: Semi-Fowler’s

Reason: The Semi-Fowler’s position (head of the bed elevated to 30-45 degrees) is often used to promote lung expansion and reduce the risk of aspiration. While it can be beneficial for general postoperative care, it is not the optimal position for a patient who has undergone a pneumonectomy. This position does not specifically address the need to prevent fluid accumulation in the remaining lung.

Choice C: Sims

Reason: The Sims position (lying on the side with one leg bent) is typically used for procedures such as enemas or to facilitate drainage of oral secretions. It is not suitable for a postoperative pneumonectomy patient because it does not provide the necessary support to the remaining lung and can increase the risk of fluid shifting to the nonoperative side.

Choice D: On the nonoperative side

Reason: Placing the patient on the nonoperative side is the correct position. This position helps to prevent fluid from accumulating in the remaining lung and reduces the risk of complications such as mediastinal shift or respiratory distress. By positioning the patient on the nonoperative side, gravity helps to keep the remaining lung expanded and functional.

Choice A reason: Taking this medication when getting an asthma attack is not a correct way to use montelukast. Montelukast is a leukotriene modifier that helps to reduce inflammation and prevent asthma attacks and exercise induced bronchoconstriction. It is taken once a day in oral form and may cause side effects such as stomach pain, diarrhea, or mood changes. It is not a fast acting rescue medicine for asthma attacks and needs to be taken daily.

Choice B reason: Rinsing the mouth after taking this medication is not necessary or helpful for montelukast. Rinsing the mouth is usually recommended for inhaled corticosteroids, which can cause oral thrush, a fungal infection in the mouth. Montelukast is not an inhaled corticosteroid and does not cause oral thrush.

Choice C reason: Taking this medication once a day in the evening is the correct way to use montelukast. Montelukast works best when taken in the evening, as it can improve the symptoms of asthma and allergic rhinitis that occur at night or early in the morning. Taking it at the same time every day can also help to maintain a steady level of the drug in the body and prevent missed doses.

Choice D reason: Using a spacer device when inhaling this medication is not applicable or useful for montelukast. A spacer device is a tube that attaches to an inhaler and helps to deliver the medication more effectively to the lungs. Montelukast is not an inhaler, but a tablet or a granule that is swallowed.