The nurse is assisting the client with arm and shoulder exercises on the first post-op day following a right-sided thoracotomy. The client reports pain with the exercise and wants to know why they must be performed. What explanation should the nurse provide? The exercises:
Increase blood flow back to your heart.
Will promote expanding the left lung.
Prevent stiffening and loss of function.
Rebuild the muscle that was removed.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Increasing blood flow back to the heart is not the primary reason for performing arm and shoulder exercises after a thoracotomy. While exercise can improve circulation, the main goal of these specific exercises is to maintain mobility and prevent complications related to immobility.
Choice B reason: Promoting the expansion of the left lung is not the primary purpose of arm and shoulder exercises. While deep breathing exercises and the use of an incentive spirometer are crucial for lung expansion and preventing atelectasis, arm and shoulder exercises focus more on maintaining joint and muscle function.
Choice C reason: Preventing stiffening and loss of function is the primary reason for performing arm and shoulder exercises after a thoracotomy. These exercises help maintain the range of motion in the shoulder and arm, prevent joint stiffness, and reduce the risk of muscle atrophy. Postoperative immobility can lead to significant functional impairments, and these exercises are essential for a smooth recovery.
Choice D reason: Rebuilding the muscle that was removed is not accurate in this context. Thoracotomy involves accessing the thoracic cavity, and while muscle tissue may be affected, the primary goal of postoperative exercises is to maintain existing muscle function and prevent stiffness, not to rebuild muscle tissue.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Albuterol is a bronchodilator that helps to open up the airways, making it easier to breathe. It is commonly used in the treatment of acute bronchitis, especially if the patient is experiencing wheezing or shortness of breath. Albuterol works by relaxing the muscles around the airways, which helps to relieve symptoms of bronchospasm.
Choice B reason: Guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps to thin and loosen mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up and clear out. This can be particularly helpful for a patient with a productive cough and green sputum, as it aids in clearing the respiratory passages. Guaifenesin is often used in the management of acute bronchitis to help alleviate symptoms.
Choice C reason: Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid that helps to reduce inflammation in the airways. It can be beneficial in severe cases of acute bronchitis where there is significant inflammation and swelling of the bronchial tubes. Corticosteroids like methylprednisolone are used to decrease the inflammatory response and improve breathing.
Choice D reason: Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that works by affecting the signals in the brain that trigger the cough reflex. However, in the case of acute bronchitis with a productive cough, suppressing the cough can be counterproductive. The goal is to clear the mucus from the airways, and suppressing the cough can lead to mucus retention and potentially worsen the condition. Therefore, the use of a cough suppressant like dextromethorphan is not recommended in this scenario.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Sitting upright is the best position for a respiratory assessment. This position allows for optimal lung expansion and makes it easier to auscultate breath sounds accurately. It also helps in observing the client’s breathing pattern and effort.
Choice B reason:
Semi-Fowler’s position, where the head of the bed is elevated to 30-45 degrees, is often used for clients with respiratory issues to promote lung expansion and reduce the risk of aspiration. However, it is not as effective as the sitting upright position for a thorough respiratory assessment.
Choice C reason:
The supine position, where the client lies flat on their back, is not ideal for a respiratory assessment. This position can limit lung expansion and make it more difficult to hear breath sounds clearly.
Choice D reason:
The side-lying position is also not suitable for a respiratory assessment. This position can cause uneven lung expansion and make it challenging to assess both lungs accurately.
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