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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Positioning the head of the client’s bed in the flat position is not a good way to reduce the risk of ventilator associated pneumonia. This position can increase the risk of aspiration of oral secretions or gastric contents into the lungs, which can cause infection. The nurse should elevate the head of the bed to 30 to 45 degrees to prevent aspiration and promote drainage of secretions.

Choice B reason: Brushing the client’s teeth with a suction toothbrush every 12 hr is an effective way to reduce the risk of ventilator associated pneumonia. Oral hygiene can reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth and prevent the formation of dental plaque, which can harbor pathogens that can cause pneumonia. The nurse should use a suction toothbrush to remove debris and secretions from the mouth and prevent them from entering the lungs.

Choice C reason: Providing humidity by maintaining moisture within the ventilator tubing is not a helpful way to reduce the risk of ventilator associated pneumonia. Humidity can increase the growth of bacteria and fungi in the ventilator circuit, which can contaminate the air delivered to the lungs. The nurse should change the ventilator tubing and filters regularly and use sterile water to fill the humidifier.

Choice D reason: Turning the client every 4 hr is not a sufficient way to reduce the risk of ventilator associated pneumonia. Turning can help prevent pressure ulcers and improve blood circulation, but it does not prevent the accumulation of secretions in the lungs, which can cause infection. The nurse should use chest physiotherapy, suctioning, and coughing techniques to mobilize and clear secretions from the airways.

A. Turn on the television for the client during meals. B. Provide the client with oral hygiene. C. Elevate the head of the client’s bed to 45 degrees during meals. D. Instruct the client to tilt their head back while swallowing.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Turning on the television for the client during meals is not a good idea, as it can distract the client from eating and swallowing properly, and increase the risk of choking or aspiration.

Choice B reason: Providing the client with oral hygiene is important, but it is not enough to prevent aspiration pneumonia. Oral hygiene can reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth, but it does not prevent food or liquid from entering the airways.

Choice C reason: Elevating the head of the client’s bed to 45 degrees during meals is the best action to prevent aspiration pneumonia, as it helps the client swallow more easily and reduces the chance of food or liquid going into the lungs.

Choice D reason: Instructing the client to tilt their head back while swallowing is a dangerous action, as it can actually increase the risk of aspiration pneumonia. Tilting the head back can open the airway and allow food or liquid to enter the lungs instead of the esophagus.

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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?

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