When performing postural drainage on a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which approach should the nurse use?

Obtain arterial blood gases (ABGs) prior to procedure.

Explain that the patient may be placed in five positions.

Perform the drainage immediately after meals.

Instruct the patient to breathe shallow and fast.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:

While ABGs can provide valuable information about a patient's respiratory status, they are not routinely required prior to postural drainage in patients with COPD.

ABGs might be considered if the patient is experiencing acute respiratory distress or if there are concerns about their oxygenation or ventilation status.

However, in the absence of such concerns, obtaining ABGs would not be necessary and could potentially cause discomfort or anxiety for the patient.

Choice C rationale:

Performing postural drainage immediately after meals is not recommended for patients with COPD.

This is because eating can cause a feeling of fullness in the stomach, which can make it difficult for the patient to breathe deeply and effectively during the procedure.

Additionally, there is a risk of aspiration if the patient were to vomit during or after postural drainage.

It is generally recommended to perform postural drainage at least 1-2 hours after meals to reduce these risks.

Choice D rationale:

Instructing the patient to breathe shallow and fast is not appropriate for postural drainage.

The goal of postural drainage is to help the patient mobilize and expectorate secretions from the lungs.

This is best achieved by encouraging the patient to breathe deeply and slowly, which helps to open up the airways and promote mucus clearance.

Shallow, rapid breathing can actually make it more difficult to clear secretions and can lead to increased shortness of breath.

Choice B rationale:

Explaining that the patient may be placed in five positions is the most appropriate approach for postural drainage in a patient with COPD.

This is because different positions help to drain different areas of the lungs. The five positions typically used for postural drainage are:

Head down position (to drain the lower lobes)

Prone position (to drain the posterior segments of the lungs)

Right lateral position (to drain the right middle lobe and right lower lobe) Left lateral position (to drain the left lower lobe)

Sitting upright position (to drain the upper lobes)

By placing the patient in these different positions, the nurse can help to ensure that all areas of the lungs are drained effectively.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Pneumonia is the most likely diagnosis given the rapid development of pulmonary infiltrates within a 24-hour period. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It typically presents with symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain. The presence of pulmonary infiltrates on imaging studies, such as a chest X-ray, is a key diagnostic feature of pneumonia.

The distribution of the infiltrates, involving the lower lobes with a predominance on the right side, is also consistent with pneumonia. This is because the lower lobes are more susceptible to pneumonia due to their anatomy and gravity.

The absence of active processes on Day 1 makes other diagnoses less likely. For example, tuberculosis typically develops more slowly over weeks or months, and bronchitis usually does not cause pulmonary infiltrates.

Pulmonary embolism can cause pulmonary infiltrates, but it would typically be associated with other symptoms such as sudden onset of shortness of breath, chest pain, and tachycardia.

Choice B rationale:

Tuberculosis is a chronic infection that typically develops slowly over weeks or months. It is less likely to cause rapid development of pulmonary infiltrates as seen in this case.

Tuberculosis often involves the upper lobes of the lungs, and it may be associated with other symptoms such as fever, night sweats, and weight loss.

Choice C rationale:

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi, the large airways that carry air to the lungs. It typically causes a cough, but it does not usually cause pulmonary infiltrates.

Bronchitis is often caused by a virus, and it usually resolves on its own within a few weeks.

Choice D rationale:

Pulmonary embolism is a blockage of a pulmonary artery, one of the blood vessels that carries blood to the lungs. It can cause pulmonary infiltrates, but it would typically be associated with other symptoms such as sudden onset of shortness of breath, chest pain, and tachycardia.

Pulmonary embolism is often caused by a blood clot that travels from a vein in the leg to the lungs.

A. "If I have sudden shortness of breath, I will use this inhaler." B. "When I cough up sputum, the secretions should be less thick." C. "I will use my other inhaler in between uses." D. "I should use this medication in its handihaler every day."

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice D rationale:

Highlights daily use: Tiotropium is a long-acting bronchodilator, meaning it works to relax and open the airways over an extended period. It's crucial for managing COPD symptoms and preventing exacerbations. Daily use is essential to maintain its effectiveness.

Emphasizes the Handihaler: The Handihaler is the specific inhalation device designed for tiotropium delivery. It ensures proper medication administration and optimal lung deposition.

Demonstrates understanding of instructions: Choosing this option indicates the client has correctly grasped the intended frequency and method of use.

Choice A rationale:

Misunderstanding of purpose: Tiotropium is not a rescue inhaler for sudden shortness of breath. It's a maintenance medication that works gradually to improve lung function. For acute symptoms, a short-acting bronchodilator, like albuterol, is required.

Potential delay in appropriate treatment: Reliance on tiotropium for acute episodes could lead to delayed use of the correct rescue medication, potentially worsening symptoms and increasing risks.

Choice B rationale:

Potential side effect, not primary goal: While tiotropium may reduce sputum thickness in some individuals, it's not the primary aim of therapy. Focusing on this aspect could overlook its broader benefits in managing COPD.

Variable response: The extent of sputum thinning varies among individuals and shouldn't be the sole indicator of effectiveness.

Choice C rationale:

Potential for overmedication: Using multiple inhalers without clear guidance from a healthcare provider could increase the risk of excessive medication and adverse effects.

Importance of individualized regimens: Inhaler use depends on the specific medications prescribed and the severity of COPD. Healthcare professionals tailor regimens to individual needs.

View Question and Answer

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

When performing postural drainage on a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which approach should the nurse use?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Patient Data shows that on Day 1, there were no active processes.On Day 2, there were small bilateral lower lobes pulmonary infiltrates with the right lower lobe showing increased involvement compared to the left side.What is the likely diagnosis?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is given a new prescription for tiotropium via an inhalation device.Which statement indicates that the client understands the instructions for using this medication?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client with newly diagnosed Crohn's disease asks the nurse about dietary restrictions. How should the nurse respond?

A client has been administered lactulose for several days.Which therapeutic response should the nurse expect for a client with hepatic encephalopathy?

The client with Clostridium difficile in the stool receives a prescription for vancomycin PO. Which action should the nurse take before administering the first dose?

Exhibits A nurse is reviewing the client’s condition. Based on the exhibits provided, what is the most likely diagnosis for this client?

A client with open-angle glaucoma asks the nurse how long the prescribed eye drops will need to be used. Which response made by the nurse is accurate?

The nurse is discussing dietary choices with a client who is newly diagnosed with celiac disease. Which menu choice by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

The healthcare provider prescribes bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, tetracycline, and pantoprazole for a client with a Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection.Prior to administering theH. pylori treatment regimen, the nurse should review the electronic medical record for which medication?