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 D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Cleansing the perineum from back to front can increase the risk of urinary tract infections, as it can introduce bacteria from the anal area to the urethra. The nurse should instruct the client to cleanse the perineum from front to back, using a mild soap and water, and to change the pad or underwear frequently to prevent bacterial growth.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Obtaining a prescription for an indwelling urinary catheter can increase the risk of urinary tract infections, as it can create a direct route for bacteria to enter the bladder. Indwelling catheters should be avoided unless absolutely necessary, and should be removed as soon as possible. The nurse should explore other bladder management options for the client, such as intermittent catheterization, condom catheter, or suprapubic catheter.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Offering the client the bedpan every 2 hours can increase the risk of urinary tract infections, as it can cause urinary stasis and bladder distension. The nurse should assess the client's bladder function and determine the optimal frequency of bladder emptying, which may vary depending on the type and level of spinal cord injury. The nurse should also monitor the client's urine output, color, odor, and clarity, and report any signs of infection, such as fever, chills, or flank pain.
Choice D reason: This is correct. Encouraging fluid intake at and between meals can decrease the risk of urinary tract infections, as it can flush out bacteria from the urinary tract and prevent urinary stasis and bladder distension. The nurse should advise the client to drink at least 2 liters of water per day, unless contraindicated by other medical conditions. The nurse should also educate the client about the benefits of cranberry juice, which can inhibit bacterial adhesion to the bladder wall and prevent infection.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: No fluctuations in the water seal chamber. This finding indicates that the lung has expanded and there is no more air leaking from the pleural space. Fluctuations in the water seal chamber are normal when the client breathes, but they should stop when the lung is fully expanded.
Choice B reason: No reports of pleuritic chest pain. This finding does not indicate that the lung has expanded, as pleuritic chest pain can be caused by other factors, such as inflammation or infection of the pleura. Pleuritic chest pain is a sharp pain that worsens with breathing or coughing.
Choice C reason: Occasional bubbling in the water seal chamber. This finding does not indicate that the lung has expanded, as occasional bubbling can be normal or due to a small air leak. Continuous bubbling, however, indicates a large air leak and requires immediate attention.
Choice D reason: Oxygen saturation of 95%. This finding does not indicate that the lung has expanded, as oxygen saturation can be normal or high even with a collapsed lung. Oxygen saturation is the percentage of hemoglobin that is bound to oxygen in the blood.
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