A nurse is caring for a postoperative client. Which intervention should the nurse identify as important to prevent postoperative pulmonary complications?
Place suction equipment at the bedside.
Administer a prophylactic expectorant.
Encourage the use of an incentive spirometer.
Perform range of motion exercises.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
Place suction equipment at the bedside is incorrect. While having suction equipment available is important for emergency situations, it does not directly prevent postoperative pulmonary complications. Suction equipment is used to clear the airway if the client has difficulty breathing or if there is an obstruction.
Choice B Reason:
Administer a prophylactic expectorant is incorrect. Prophylactic expectorants can help in managing secretions, but they are not the primary intervention for preventing postoperative pulmonary complications. The main goal is to promote lung expansion and prevent atelectasis.
Choice C Reason:
Encourage the use of an incentive spirometer is correct. Using an incentive spirometer encourages deep breathing and lung expansion, which helps prevent atelectasis and other postoperative pulmonary complications. It is a key intervention in postoperative care to maintain optimal lung function.
Choice D Reason:
Perform range of motion exercises is incorrect. While range of motion exercises are important for preventing musculoskeletal complications and promoting circulation, they do not directly prevent pulmonary complications. The focus for pulmonary health is on lung expansion and clearing secretions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Pee privacy
Ensuring privacy for a patient, especially one who is pregnant, is crucial. Privacy helps maintain the patient’s dignity and comfort during medical procedures. It also fosters a trusting relationship between the patient and the healthcare provider. In this context, “Pee privacy” likely refers to ensuring the patient has privacy when providing a urine sample, which is a common procedure during pregnancy check-ups to monitor for conditions like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia.
Choice B reason: Otoscope
An otoscope is a medical device used to look into the ears. While it is an essential tool in many medical examinations, it is not specifically related to the care of a pregnant patient unless there is a specific concern about ear health. Therefore, this choice is less relevant in the context of routine pregnancy care.
Choice C reason: Tannic acid
Tannic acid is a substance that can be used for various medical purposes, including treating burns and stopping bleeding. However, it is not typically associated with routine pregnancy care. Its inclusion in this list seems out of place unless there is a specific, unusual medical condition being addressed.
Choice D reason: Pupil dilation
Pupil dilation is a procedure often performed during eye examinations to allow a better view of the retina and other structures inside the eye. While important in ophthalmology, it is not a standard procedure in the care of a pregnant patient unless there is a specific concern about the patient’s vision or eye health.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
“Delivers a low concentration of oxygen” is incorrect because a nasal cannula can deliver varying concentrations of oxygen depending on the flow rate set by the healthcare provider. The concentration can range from low to moderate, typically between 24% to 44%.
Choice B Reason:
“Delivers a constant rate of oxygen” is partially correct but not entirely accurate. While the flow rate can be constant, the key aspect is the specific concentration of oxygen delivered, which is more relevant to the client’s understanding.
Choice C Reason:
“Delivers a high concentration of oxygen” is incorrect because nasal cannulas are generally used for low to moderate oxygen delivery. High concentrations of oxygen are typically delivered through other devices like non-rebreather masks or high-flow nasal cannulas.
Choice D Reason:
“Delivers a constant flow of a specific concentration of oxygen” is correct. This explanation accurately describes how a nasal cannula works. It provides a continuous flow of oxygen at a specific concentration, which is adjusted based on the client’s needs and the healthcare provider’s prescription.

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