A nurse in a critical care unit is caring for a client who is postoperative following a right pneumonectomy. After extubation from the ventilator, in which of the following positions should the client be placed?
Prone
SemiFowler's
Sims
On the nonoperative side
The Correct Answer is B
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Hyperthermia. This answer is incorrect because hyperthermia is not a complication of a cervical spinal cord injury, but rather a condition that can worsen the injury. Hyperthermia can increase the metabolic demand and oxygen consumption of the injured spinal cord, leading to more damage and inflammation.
Choice B reason: Absence of bowel sounds. This answer is correct because absence of bowel sounds is a complication of a cervical spinal cord injury, which can affect the autonomic nervous system and impair the function of the gastrointestinal system. A cervical spinal cord injury can cause spinal shock, which leads to decreased peristalsis and paralytic ileus.
Choice C reason: Polyuria. This answer is incorrect because polyuria is not a complication of a cervical spinal cord injury, but rather a condition that can occur after the resolution of spinal shock. Polyuria can result from the loss of sympathetic control over the renal system, leading to increased urine output and decreased antidiuretic hormone secretion.
Choice D reason: Weakened gag reflex. This answer is correct because weakened gag reflex is a complication of a cervical spinal cord injury, which can affect the autonomic nervous system and impair the function of the respiratory system. A cervical spinal cord injury can cause damage to the cranial nerves that control the gag reflex, leading to difficulty swallowing, aspiration, and pneumonia.
Choice E reason: Hypotension. This answer is correct because hypotension is a complication of a cervical spinal cord injury, which can affect the autonomic nervous system and impair the function of the cardiovascular system. A cervical spinal cord injury can cause neurogenic shock, which leads to decreased sympathetic tone, vasodilation, and reduced cardiac output.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Administering an inhaled glucocorticoid is not the priority intervention for a child with status asthmaticus. Inhaled glucocorticoids are anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce airway inflammation and prevent asthma attacks, but they do not provide immediate relief of bronchoconstriction.
Choice B reason: Administering a short acting beta agonist (SABA) is the priority intervention for a child with status asthmaticus. SABAs are bronchodilators that relax the smooth muscles of the airways and improve airflow within minutes. They are the first line treatment for acute asthma symptoms and exacerbations.
Choice C reason: Determining the cause of the acute exacerbation is not the priority intervention for a child with status asthmaticus. While it is important to identify and avoid potential triggers of asthma, such as allergens, infections, or stress, this is not an urgent action during a severe asthma attack.
Choice D reason: Obtaining a peak flow reading is not the priority intervention for a child with status asthmaticus. Peak flow is a measure of how quickly the child can blow air out of the lungs, and it can indicate the degree of airway obstruction. However, peak flow measurement is not reliable or feasible during a severe asthma attack, and it should not delay the administration of bronchodilators.
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