Medical-Surgical: Respiratory Conditions Flashcards

A client with pneumonia has a fever, productive cough, and crackles. Which intervention helps mobilize secretions?

Answer: Encourage increased fluid intake and coughing

Adequate hydration thins secretions and coughing clears them from the airways.

Which assessment finding is consistent with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?

Answer: Refractory hypoxemia not improved by oxygen

ARDS causes severe hypoxemia that does not respond to supplemental oxygen due to alveolar-capillary damage.

A nurse is suctioning a client's endotracheal tube. How long should each suction pass last?

Answer: No more than 10-15 seconds

Limiting suction to 10-15 seconds prevents hypoxemia and mucosal trauma.

Before suctioning a client, what should the nurse do to reduce the risk of hypoxemia?

Answer: Hyperoxygenate the client with 100% oxygen

Pre-oxygenation with 100% oxygen builds a reserve to offset oxygen removed during suctioning.

A client with a pleural effusion is scheduled for a thoracentesis. What position is best during the procedure?

Answer: Sitting upright leaning over a bedside table

An upright leaning-forward position widens intercostal spaces and lets fluid pool at the lung base for safe access.

After a thoracentesis, which finding should the nurse report immediately?

Answer: Sudden dyspnea and decreased breath sounds

Sudden dyspnea and diminished breath sounds may indicate a pneumothorax, a serious post-procedure complication.

A client with influenza-related pneumonia asks about prevention for next year. What is the best nursing recommendation?

Answer: Receive the annual influenza vaccine

Annual influenza vaccination is the most effective measure to prevent flu and its pneumonia complications.