A nurse is caring for a client who has just had a bronchoscopy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Withhold food and liquids until the client's gag reflex returns.
Irrigate the client's throat every 4 hr.
Have the client refrain from talking for 24 hr.
Suction the client's oropharynx frequently.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Withhold food and liquids until the client's gag reflex returns.
This is the correct action. After a bronchoscopy, the client's throat may be numb or irritated from the procedure, which can temporarily impair the gag reflex. Withholding food and liquids until the gag reflex returns reduces the risk of aspiration, where food or liquid enters the airway instead of the stomach. Aspiration can lead to pneumonia and other serious complications. Therefore, it's essential to assess the client's gag reflex before allowing them to eat or drink.
B. Irrigate the client's throat every 4 hours.
This action is not necessary and may even be harmful. Irrigating the client's throat every 4 hours could further irritate the throat and increase discomfort for the client. Unless specifically ordered by the healthcare provider for a specific reason, such as to remove secretions or debris, routine irrigation of the throat is not recommended after a bronchoscopy.
C. Have the client refrain from talking for 24 hours.
There is typically no need for the client to refrain from talking for 24 hours after a bronchoscopy. While the client may experience some throat discomfort and hoarseness, restricting talking for such an extended period is unnecessary and may cause undue stress or anxiety for the client. Unless specifically instructed by the healthcare provider for a valid reason, such as to allow vocal cord healing, there is no need to restrict talking for such a long duration.
D. Suction the client's oropharynx frequently.
Frequent suctioning of the client's oropharynx is not indicated unless there is a specific medical reason to do so. Excessive suctioning can cause trauma to the mucous membranes, increase the risk of infection, and exacerbate throat irritation. The decision to suction should be based on clinical assessment, such as evidence of secretions or if the client is having difficulty clearing their airway, rather than being performed routinely.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Nausea
While nausea can occur in hypoxia, it is less common compared to other symptoms such as dyspnea (difficulty breathing), confusion, or cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes).
B. Dysphagia
Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is not typically associated with hypoxia. It is more commonly seen in conditions affecting the esophagus or neurological disorders affecting swallowing function.
C. Agitation
Manifestations of hypoxia can vary depending on the severity and duration of oxygen deprivation. Agitation is a common finding in hypoxia, particularly in cases of acute or severe hypoxemia. As the body's oxygen supply becomes compromised, the brain may perceive this as a threat, leading to increased anxiety, restlessness, and agitation as the body attempts to compensate for the lack of oxygen.
D. Warm, dry skin
Warm, dry skin is not a typical finding in hypoxia. Instead, hypoxia may lead to peripheral vasoconstriction and cool, clammy skin as the body attempts to conserve oxygen and maintain core body temperature.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Turn off the ventilator alarms before suctioning the client's airway.
This choice is incorrect because it goes against standard practice. Ventilator alarms are critical for monitoring the patient's respiratory status and detecting any issues with the ventilator or the patient's airway. Turning off alarms before suctioning can lead to missed alarms and potentially dangerous situations for the patient.
B. Provide mouth care every 10 to 12 hr with hydrogen peroxide.
This choice is incorrect because using hydrogen peroxide for mouth care is not recommended. Hydrogen peroxide can be irritating to the mucosa and may cause harm to the patient's oral tissues. Instead, gentle oral care with an appropriate solution, such as a mouthwash specifically designed for oral hygiene in ventilated patients, is preferred. Mouth care should also be provided more frequently than every 10 to 12 hours to maintain oral hygiene and prevent complications such as ventilator-associated pneumonia.
C. Place the head of the client's bed at 40° when supine.
This choice is correct. Proper positioning of the patient is crucial for optimizing ventilation and preventing complications such as aspiration and ventilator-associated pneumonia. Elevating the head of the bed to 40 degrees when the patient is in a supine position helps to minimize the risk of aspiration by promoting drainage of secretions away from the airway and improving lung expansion.
D. Reposition the client every 4 hr.
This choice is not directly related to care for clients receiving mechanical ventilation. While repositioning the patient every 4 hours is important for preventing pressure ulcers and maintaining skin integrity, it is not specific to mechanical ventilation care. However, it is still an important aspect of overall patient care, particularly for patients who are immobile or confined to bed for extended periods.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.