The nurse is performing a physical assessment on the respiratory system. Although the client is currently confined to bed, they have the strength and ability to move and reposition themselves. The nurse instructs the client to assume which position for the assessment?
Sitting upright
Semi-Fowler’s
Supine
Side-lying
The Correct Answer is A
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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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Pursed-lip breathing is a technique used to help manage shortness of breath and improve ventilation. It involves breathing in through the nose and exhaling slowly through pursed lips, as if blowing out a candle. This method helps to keep the airways open longer, allowing more air to escape and reducing the work of breathing.
Choice A reason:
Exhale quickly and forcefully through the mouth is not the correct intervention for pursed-lip breathing. Exhaling quickly and forcefully can cause the airways to collapse, making it harder to breathe out all the air. This can lead to air trapping and increased shortness of breath, which is counterproductive for clients with respiratory issues.
Choice B reason:
Inhale sharply with a “huff” sound is also not correct for pursed-lip breathing. Huff coughing is a technique used to clear mucus from the airways, not to manage breathing patterns. Inhaling sharply can cause irritation and may not provide the controlled breathing needed for effective gas exchange.
Choice C reason:
Inhale deeply through pursed lips is incorrect. The correct technique for pursed-lip breathing involves inhaling through the nose, not through pursed lips. Inhaling through the nose helps to filter and humidify the air, making it easier on the lungs and airways.
Choice D reason:
Exhale slowly through pursed lips is the correct intervention. This technique helps to prolong exhalation, which reduces the respiratory rate and improves ventilation. By keeping the airways open longer, it helps to release trapped air and improve oxygenation. This method is particularly beneficial for clients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, as it helps to reduce the work of breathing and improve overall respiratory function.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Have a pulse oximetry reading of 95% or greater by discharge: While maintaining a pulse oximetry reading of 95% or greater is important, it may not fully address the client’s activity intolerance. Pulse oximetry measures the oxygen saturation in the blood, and normal readings typically range from 95% to 100%. However, achieving this reading alone does not ensure that the client can perform activities without experiencing dyspnea or fatigue.
Choice B reason:
Exhibit a respiratory rate of 12-20/minute by discharge: A normal respiratory rate for adults is between 12 and 20 breaths per minute. While this is a good indicator of respiratory function, it does not directly address the client’s ability to perform self-care activities without dyspnea. The goal should focus on the client’s functional ability rather than just physiological parameters.
Choice C reason:
Perform self-care activity without dyspnea by discharge: This outcome directly addresses the client’s activity intolerance. Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is a significant symptom that affects the client’s ability to perform daily activities. By setting a goal for the client to perform self-care activities without dyspnea, the care plan focuses on improving the client’s functional status and quality of life.
Choice D reason:
Have clear breath sounds bilaterally by discharge: Clear breath sounds are an important indicator of improved lung function and resolution of pneumonia. However, this outcome does not specifically address the client’s activity intolerance. While clear breath sounds are desirable, the primary goal should be to ensure the client can perform activities without experiencing dyspnea.
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