The nurse is teaching a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) about huff coughing to clear secretions.
During the patient’s return demonstration, the patient exhales using pursed lips. What should the nurse do next?
Advise the patient that the procedure is being performed correctly.
Tell the patient to take several shallow breaths before the next exhalation.
Instruct the patient to inhale deeply and then quickly and forcefully exhale 2 to 3 times.
Position the patient in the semi-Fowler’s position and apply oxygen.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Huff coughing is a method that forces mucus up your throat by breathing it in, holding it, and actively exhaling. It’s different from a typical cough and more effective in clearing mucus from the lungs. Pursed-lip breathing, which the patient is doing, is not part of the huff coughing technique.
Choice B rationale
Taking several shallow breaths before the next exhalation is not part of the huff coughing technique. The technique involves taking a slow and deep breath until your lungs are about 75% full, holding your breath for two to three seconds, and then exhaling slowly but strongly.
Choice C rationale
Instructing the patient to inhale deeply and then quickly and forcefully exhale 2 to 3 times is the correct method for huff coughing. This technique helps to move mucus from the smaller airways to the larger ones, making it easier to cough up and out.
Choice D rationale
Positioning the patient in the semi-Fowler’s position and applying oxygen is not part of the huff coughing technique. While oxygen therapy can be beneficial for patients with COPD, it does not directly aid in the huff coughing technique.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["0.4"]
Explanation
Step 1 is to determine the amount of penicillin in each milliliter (mL) of the available solution. The vial is labeled as “Penicillin 500,000 units/mL”.
Step 2 is to divide the prescribed dose by the concentration per mL. So, the calculation is 200,000 units ÷ 500,000 units/mL. The result is 0.4 mL.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Starting an intravenous infusion for antiviral drug administration is premature at this stage. The patient’s COVID-19 test results are not yet available, and antiviral drugs should not be administered without a confirmed positive test.
Choice B rationale
Moving the patient to a private room, keeping the door closed, and initiating droplet precautions is the most important action. Given the patient’s symptoms and the significant other’s COVID-19 status, these measures will help prevent potential spread of the virus.
Choice C rationale
Notifying the charge nurse for assignment to the COVID-19 specified area of the facility is important, but it is not the immediate priority. The first step should be to initiate droplet precautions to minimize the risk of transmission.
Choice D rationale
While it is important to inform the patient about potential exposure, the immediate priority is to prevent the spread of the virus within the healthcare facility.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.