A nurse is preparing to transfer a client who weighs 136 kg (300 lb) from a bed to a stretcher with the aid of an assistive personnel (AP). Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale:

Lying down while practicing pursed-lip breathing is not the correct instruction. Pursed-lip breathing is usually performed in a sitting or standing position. Lying down can restrict lung expansion and may not effectively support the purpose of this breathing technique, which is to improve airway pressure and reduce air trapping.

Choice B rationale:

"Exhale slowly through your mouth" is the correct instruction for pursed-lip breathing. This technique involves inhaling through the nose for a count of two and exhaling slowly and steadily through pursed lips for a count of four. The goal is to promote better exhalation, prevent airway collapse, and improve oxygen exchange. The rationale behind this choice is grounded in the mechanics of pursed-lip breathing, which helps create backpressure in the airways, maintaining them open and aiding in proper exhalation.

Choice C rationale:

Inhaling through pursed lips contradicts the proper sequence of pursed-lip breathing. The technique involves inhaling through the nose and exhaling through pursed lips. Inhaling through pursed lips would not provide the intended benefits of the technique.

Choice D rationale:

"Puff your cheeks when exhaling" is not the correct instruction. Puffing the cheeks during exhalation does not contribute to the effectiveness of pursed-lip breathing. This action could potentially impede proper exhalation and defeat the purpose of the technique, which is to control airflow and improve breathing efficiency.

Choice A rationale:

Moving the client using a slider board might be appropriate for transferring clients with relatively lower weight and mobility challenges. However, in this scenario, where the client weighs 136 kg (300 lb), a more advanced transfer method is necessary to ensure the safety of both the client and the healthcare providers.

Choice B rationale:

Using an air-assisted transfer device is suitable for transferring clients with higher weight, as it helps reduce friction and strain during the transfer process. This approach ensures a smoother transfer and minimizes the risk of injury to both the client and the assistive personnel.

Choice C rationale:

Raising the bed to 5 cm (2 in) above the level of the stretcher might not provide enough clearance for a safe transfer. Additionally, the use of assistive devices is more appropriate for transferring clients with significant weight, rather than relying solely on adjusting the bed height.

Choice D rationale:

Positioning the head of the bed at 25° prior to the transfer is not directly relevant to the process of transferring a client from a bed to a stretcher. The focus should be on using appropriate equipment and techniques for safe and efficient transfer, especially considering the client's weight.