A nurse is teaching a client who has a spinal cord injury about prevention of atelectasis. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?
"Do panting breaths several times a day."
"Perform deep coughing twice a day."
"Strengthen your chest muscles by performing therapy exercises."
"Get plenty of rest throughout the day."
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason:
"Do panting breaths several times a day." This statement is inappropriate. Panting breaths involve rapid, shallow breathing similar to what a dog does when it's hot. This technique may not be as effective in clearing mucus or promoting lung expansion compared to deep coughing. While panting breaths may have some benefits in promoting ventilation and increasing lung volume, they may not be as targeted or efficient in preventing atelectasis as other techniques such as deep coughing
Choice B Reason:
"Perform deep coughing twice a day." This statement is correct. Deep coughing helps clear mucus and secretions from the airways, reducing the risk of blockages that can lead to atelectasis. It promotes airway clearance and lung expansion, maintaining respiratory function. Regular deep coughing is particularly important for individuals with spinal cord injuries, as they may have impaired cough reflexes or weakened respiratory muscles, increasing their vulnerability to atelectasis.
Choice C Reason:
"Strengthen your chest muscles by performing therapy exercises." This statement is incorrect. While strengthening chest muscles through therapy exercises can be beneficial for overall respiratory health, it may not directly target the prevention of atelectasis. Atelectasis is primarily caused by the collapse of lung tissue due to mucus buildup or reduced lung expansion, rather than weakness of chest muscles. While therapy exercises may have other benefits such as improving respiratory function and endurance, they may not be the most effective strategy for preventing atelectasis in individuals with spinal cord injuries.
Choice D Reason:
"Get plenty of rest throughout the day." This statement is incorrect. Rest is important for overall health and well-being, but it may not directly contribute to the prevention of atelectasis. Inactivity and prolonged bed rest can actually increase the risk of atelectasis by reducing lung expansion and promoting mucus accumulation in the airways. While adequate rest is necessary for recovery and energy conservation, it should be balanced with activities that promote lung expansion and airway clearance, such as deep breathing exercises and mobility.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Paralytic ileus is incorrect. Paralytic ileus is a condition characterized by obstruction of the intestines due to paralysis of the intestinal muscles, resulting in symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation. Paralytic ileus is not typically associated with cauda equina syndrome, which primarily affects the nerves in the lower back and lower extremities.
Choice B Reason:
Blood pressure 80/48 mm Hg is incorrect. While cauda equina syndrome can cause neurological symptoms such as lower extremity weakness, numbness, and bowel or bladder dysfunction, it is not typically associated with alterations in blood pressure. Blood pressure changes may occur in response to pain or other systemic factors, but they are not specific to cauda equina syndrome.
Choice C Reason:
Weakness in one or both legs is correct. Yes, weakness in one or both legs is a characteristic finding of cauda equina syndrome. Compression of the nerve roots in the lower spinal cord can lead to motor deficits, including weakness, difficulty walking, and loss of reflexes in the lower extremities.
Choice D Reason:
Potassium 3.2 mEq/L is incorrect. Serum potassium levels are not typically associated with cauda equina syndrome. Abnormal potassium levels may be indicative of electrolyte imbalances, which can occur in various medical conditions but are not specific to cauda equina syndrome.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Glatiramer acetate is incorrect because it is used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) to reduce the frequency of relapses and delay disease progression. It is not indicated for spasm-induced incontinence.
Choice B Reason:
Dulaglutide is incorrect because it is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes by improving blood sugar control. It is not indicated for the treatment of spasm-induced incontinence.
Choice C Reason:
Montelukast sodium is incorrect because it is a leukotriene receptor antagonist primarily used to manage asthma and allergic rhinitis. It is not indicated for the treatment of spasm-induced incontinence.
Choice D Reason:
Oxybutynin is an anticholinergic medication commonly used to treat overactive bladder and urinary incontinence, including spasm-induced incontinence that can occur in individuals with spinal cord injury. It works by relaxing the smooth muscles of the bladder, thereby reducing involuntary contractions that contribute to urinary urgency and incontinence.
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