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?

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.

Choice A reason: Administering the medication 2 hr before exercise is a correct instruction for the parent of a child who has asthma and a prescription for montelukast granules. Montelukast is a leukotriene modifier that helps to 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. For children who have exercise induced asthma, an additional dose of montelukast may be taken 2 hr before exercise.

Choice B reason: Giving the medication at the onset of wheezing is not a correct instruction for the parent of a child who has asthma and a prescription for montelukast granules. Montelukast is not a fast acting rescue medicine for asthma attacks and needs to be taken daily. It does not work quickly enough to relieve the symptoms of an acute asthma attack, such as wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath. For an asthma attack, the child should use a short acting beta agonist inhaler, such as albuterol, as prescribed by the provider.

Choice C reason: Administering the granules mixed with 20 oz of water is not a correct instruction for the parent of a child who has asthma and a prescription for montelukast granules. Montelukast granules come in a sachet with 4 mg of granules inside (one dose). They can be placed directly on the child's tongue or mixed with a spoonful of cold or room temperature soft food, such as applesauce, mashed carrots, rice, or ice cream. They can also be mixed with 1 teaspoonful (5 mL) of cold or room temperature baby formula or breast milk. They should not be mixed with any other liquid drink other than baby formula or breast milk. The mixture should be taken within 15 minutes after opening the packet.

Choice D reason: Giving the medication in the morning daily is not a correct instruction for the parent of a child who has asthma and a prescription for montelukast granules. 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.