Video Library
Understanding Chronic Illnesses
Understanding Chronic Illnesses ( 4 Questions)
A nurse is caring for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which intervention is most appropriate to promote oxygenation in this client?
Pursed-lip breathing is a technique that helps to slow down the breathing rate, reduce air trapping, and improve gas exchange in clients with COPD. It also helps to relieve dyspnea and anxiety.
This is an incorrect intervention, as clients with COPD are at risk of developing oxygen-induced hypercapnia, a condition where high levels of oxygen reduce the drive to breathe and cause carbon dioxide retention. Oxygen therapy should be administered cautiously and titrated to maintain a target oxygen saturation of 88-92% in clients with COPD.
This is an incorrect intervention, as a supine position can increase the pressure on the diaphragm and impair lung expansion, worsening dyspnea and hypoxemia in clients with COPD. A semi-Fowler's or high-Fowler's position is preferred, as it allows for maximal lung expansion and reduces the work of breathing.
This is an incorrect intervention, as forceful coughing can increase airway resistance, cause bronchospasm, and increase dyspnea in clients with COPD. A more effective coughing technique is to use huff coughing, which involves exhaling forcefully through an open mouth while making a "huff" sound.
Pursed-lip breathing is a technique that helps to slow down the breathing rate, reduce air trapping, and improve gas exchange in clients with COPD. It also helps to relieve dyspnea and anxiety.
Incorrect options:
B) Administer oxygen via nasal cannula at 6 L/min. - This is an incorrect intervention, as clients with COPD are at risk of developing oxygen-induced hypercapnia, a condition where high levels of oxygen reduce the drive to breathe and cause carbon dioxide retention. Oxygen therapy should be administered cautiously and titrated to maintain a target oxygen saturation of 88-92% in clients with COPD.
C) Position the client in a supine position with the head elevated. - This is an incorrect intervention, as a supine position can increase the pressure on the diaphragm and impair lung expansion, worsening dyspnea and hypoxemia in clients with COPD. A semi-Fowler's or high-Fowler's position is preferred, as it allows for maximal lung expansion and reduces the work of breathing.
D) Instruct the client to cough forcefully every hour. - This is an incorrect intervention, as forceful coughing can increase airway resistance, cause bronchospasm, and increase dyspnea in clients with COPD. A more effective coughing technique is to use huff coughing, which involves exhaling forcefully through an open mouth while making a "huff" sound.