TRansition - Respiration NCLEX Questions

Fremitus

A palpable vibration, as felt by the hand placed on the chest during coughing or speaking.

The nurse is reading the results of a tuberculin skin test for a client who has no documented health problems. The site has no induration and a 1-mm area of ecchymosis. The nurse interprets the data as which result?

A tuberculin skin test result that shows no induration is negative. A positive tuberculin skin test reading has an induration measuring 15 mm or more in clients at low risk and is considered abnormal. An area of ecchymosis is insignificant and probably is related to the injection technique.

The nurse is assisting in caring for a client with a newly inserted tracheostomy. The nurse notes documentation of an airway problem because of thick respiratory secretions. The nurse should monitor for which item as the best indicator of an adequate respiratory status?

An airway problem could occur following tracheostomy from excessive secretions, bleeding into the trachea, restricted lung expansion caused by immobility, or concurrent respiratory conditions. The respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute is well within the normal range of 14 to 20 breaths per minute. An oxygen saturation of 89% is less than optimal.

The nurse is caring for a restless client who keeps biting down on an orotracheal tube. The nurse uses which intervention to prevent the client from obstructing the airway with the teeth?

An oral airway may be used to keep the client from biting down, occluding an orotracheal tube. A nasal airway is not used in conjunction with an oral endotracheal tube. A padded tongue blade or a bite stick may be used initially to open the mouth for easier insertion of an oral airway.

A client with an oral endotracheal tube attached to a mechanical ventilator is about to begin the weaning process. The nurse asks the health care provider whether this process should be delayed temporarily, based on administration of which medication to the client in the last hour?

Antianxiety medications (such as lorazepam) and opioid analgesics are used cautiously or withheld whenever possible in the client being weaned from a mechanical ventilator. These medications may interfere with the weaning process by suppressing the respiratory drive. The other medications do not interfere with the respiratory drive and will not affect the weaning process.

A client who underwent a bronchoscopy was returned to the nursing unit 1 hour ago. The nurse determines that the client is experiencing complications of the procedure if the nurse notes which sign/symptom?

Asymmetrical breath sounds could indicate pneumothorax, and this should be reported to the health care provider. A weak cough and gag reflex 1 hour postprocedure is an expected finding because of residual effects of intravenous sedation and local anesthesia. A respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute and an oxygen saturation of 95% are acceptable measurements.

The nurse is assisting in caring for a client with pneumonia who suddenly becomes restless. Arterial blood gases are drawn, and the results reveal a Pao2 of 60 mm Hg. The nurse reviews the plan of care for the client and determines that which priority problem potentially exists for this client?

Restlessness and low Pao2 are hallmark signs of ineffective oxygen exchange. Airway obstruction and aspiration are not problems that are specifically associated with existing pneumonia. Although many clients with pneumonia experience fatigue, this is not the priority problem.

Thoracentesis

Thoracentesis is a procedure to remove fluid from the space between the lining of the outside of the lungs (pleura) and the wall of the chest.

TB Skin test

A negative reaction usually means you have never been infected with the bacteria that cause TB. With a negative reaction, the skin where you received the PPD test is not swollen, or the swelling is very small.

The nurse is caring for a client with a wet suction chest tube who accidentally disconnects the tube from the drainage system when trying to get out of bed. The nurse should take which action?

If the drainage system is broken or interrupted, the end of the tube should be placed in a bottle of sterile saline held below the level of the chest. A new drainage system then is obtained immediately and set up. Placing a sterile dressing over the disconnection site will not prevent complications resulting from the disconnection. Placing the client in the prone position is incorrect and may cause respiratory difficulty. The registered nurse is notified and will perform an assessment on the client and contact the health care provider.

The nurse is discussing signs of severe airway obstruction with a group of nursing students. Which sign should the nurse emphasize as one that indicates severe airway obstruction?

Signs of severe airway obstruction include cyanosis, poor air exchange, increased breathing difficulty, a silent cough, or inability to speak or breathe. Options 2, 3, and 4 are incorrect and may be signs of mild respiratory distress that would not require immediate intervention.

The nurse is collecting respiratory data from an adult client and is auscultating for normal breath sounds. The nurse should expect to hear bronchial breath sounds in which anatomical area? Refer to figure

There are three types of normal breath sounds in the adult and older child. These include bronchial (sometimes called "tracheal" or "tubular"), bronchovesicular, and vesicular sounds. Bronchial breath sounds are heard over the trachea and larynx. Bronchovesicular breath sounds are heard over the major bronchi. Vesicular breath sounds are heard over peripheral lung fields where the air enters the alveoli.

The nurse is caring for a client with emphysema receiving oxygen. The nurse should check the oxygen flow rate to ensure the client does not exceed how many L/min of oxygen?

Between 1 and 3 L/min of oxygen by nasal cannula may be required to raise the PaO2 level to 60 to 80 mm Hg. However, oxygen is used cautiously in the client with emphysema and should not exceed 2 L/min. Because of the long-standing hypercapnia that occurs in this disorder, the respiratory drive is triggered by low oxygen levels rather than by increased carbon dioxide levels, which is the case in a normal respiratory system.

The nurse is caring for a client who is suspected of having lung cancer. The nurse monitors the client for which most frequent early sign of lung cancer?

Cough is the most frequent early sign of lung cancer, which begins as nonproductive and hacking and progresses to productive. In the smoker who already has a cough, a change in the character and frequency of the cough usually occurs. Wheezing and blood-streaked sputum are later signs. Pain is a very late sign and is usually pleuritic in nature.

A client is admitted to the hospital with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and has an arterial blood gas test done. Which results would the nurse expect to note?

During an acute exacerbation of COPD, the arterial blood gases deteriorate with a decreasing Po2 and an increasing Pco2. In the early stages of COPD, arterial blood gases demonstrate a mild to moderate hypoxemia, with the Po2 in the high 60s to high 70s and normal arterial Pco2. As the condition advances, hypoxemia increases and hypercapnia may result.

The nurse is monitoring the respiratory status of a client following insertion of a tracheostomy. The nurse understands that oxygen saturation measurements obtained by pulse oximetry may be inaccurate if the client has which coexisting problem

Hypotension, shock, or the use of peripheral vasoconstricting medications may result in inaccurate pulse oximetry readings from impaired peripheral perfusion. Fever and epilepsy would not affect the accuracy of measurement. Respiratory failure also would not affect the accuracy of measurement, although the readings may be abnormally low.

The nurse is assisting a client with a closed chest tube drainage system to get out of bed to a chair. During the transfer, the chest tube gets caught in the leg of the chair and accidentally dislodges from the insertion site. Which action should the nurse implement?

If a chest tube dislodges from the insertion site, the nurse immediately covers the site with sterile Vaseline gauze. The nurse would then notify the registered nurse, assist the client back to bed, and perform a respiratory assessment on the client. The registered nurse would then contact the health care provider. The nurse does not reinsert a chest tube. The health care provider will reinsert the chest tube if necessary.

The nurse is providing endotracheal suctioning to a client who is mechanically ventilated, when the client becomes restless and tachycardic. Which action should the nurse take?

If a client becomes cyanotic or restless or develops tachycardia, bradycardia, or another abnormal heart rhythm while suctioning, the nurse must discontinue suctioning attempts until the client is stabilized. It is also important to monitor vital signs and pulse oximetry and preoxygenate the client for any repeated suctioning attempts. If the client's condition continues to deteriorate, then the respiratory department and health care provider may need to be notified.

A clinic nurse is assisting in caring for a client whose chief complaint is the presence of flulike symptoms. Which recommendation by the nurse is therapeutic? Select all that apply.

Immunization against influenza is a prophylactic measure and is not used to treat flu symptoms. Treatment for the flu includes getting rest, drinking fluids, and taking in nutritious foods and beverages. Medications such as antipyretics and analgesics also may be used for symptom management. Carbohydrates are not necessarily more important than other elements of a healthy diet.

A client is returned to the nursing unit following thoracic surgery with chest tubes in place. During the first few hours postoperatively, the nurse assisting in caring for the client checks for drainage. Which type of drainage is expected?

In the first few hours after surgery, the drainage from the chest tube is bloody. After several hours, it becomes serosanguineous. The client should not experience significant clotting. Proper chest tube function should allow for drainage of blood before it has the chance to clot in the chest or the tubing

The nurse is determining the need for suctioning in a client with an endotracheal tube (ETT) attached to a mechanical ventilator. Which observation by the nurse is inconsistent with the need for suctioning?

Indications for suctioning include moist, wet respirations; restlessness; congestion on auscultation of the lungs; visible mucus bubbling in the ETT; increased pulse and respiratory rates; and increased peak inspiratory pressures on the ventilator. A low peak inspiratory pressure would indicate a leak in the mechanical ventilation system.

A client with a nasal tumor is being admitted to the hospital. The nurse collects data about which primary symptom that the client is expected to exhibit?

Nasal obstruction is the most common symptom associated with a nasal tumor because the tumor occupies space in the nasal area. Bleeding (epistaxis) may occur but is not a primary sign. Headache and a runny nose are not compatible with the clinical picture of a client with a nasal tumor.

Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that affects multiple organs in the body, but mostly the lungs and lymph glands.

Serosanguineous

Serosanguineous means containing or relating to both blood and the liquid part of blood (serum). It usually refers to fluids collected from or leaving the body. For example, fluid exiting a wound that is serosanguineous is yellowish with small amounts of blood.

The nurse is caring for a client with an endotracheal tube attached to a ventilator. The high-pressure alarm sounds on the ventilator. The nurse prepares to perform which priority nursing intervention?

Suction the client, When the high-presssure alarm sounds on a ventilator, it is most likely caused by an obstruction. The obstruction can be caused by the client biting on the tube, kinking of the tubing, or mucous plugging requiring suctioning. It is also important to check the tubing for the presence of any water and determine whether the client is out of rhythm with breathing with the ventilator. A disconnection or a cuff leak can result in the sounding of the low-pressure alarm. The respiratory therapist should be notified if the nurse could not determine the cause of the alarm.

The nurse is assisting a health care provider with the insertion of an endotracheal tube (ETT). The nurse should plan to ensure that which is done as a final measure to determine correct tube placement?

The final measure to determine ETT placement is to verify it by a chest x-ray. The chest x-ray shows the exact placement of the tube in the trachea, which should be above the bifurcation of the right and left mainstream bronchi. The other options are incorrect because they are completed initially after tube placement.

The nurse is preparing to perform chest physiotherapy (CPT) on a client. Before determining the correct position in which to place the client, which information should the nurse ascertain?

The goal of chest physiotherapy is to mobilize secretions for improved respiratory function. The nurse must determine which areas of the lungs should be targeted for this technique. The client's capability for lung expansion is secondary to the lung assessment. Deep breathing routines and oxygen use do not specifically relate to client positioning.

The nurse is assisting a client, who underwent radical neck surgery, to get out of bed. How does the nurse provide support to this client, who is afraid to move the head?

The nurse provides the most support to the surgical site by placing a hand behind the client's head. Options 3 and 4 involve little assistance or support by the nurse. Option 1 is unnecessary and could occlude a tracheostomy if one is in place.

The nurse is assisting in caring for the client immediately after removal of the endotracheal tube following radical neck dissection. The nurse interprets that which sign experienced by the client should be reported immediately to the registered nurse (RN)?

The nurse reports the presence of stridor to the RN immediately. This is a high-pitched, coarse sound that is heard with the stethoscope over the trachea. It indicates airway edema and places the client at risk for airway obstruction. A respiratory rate of 26 breaths per minute and congestion are abnormal, but additional data are needed to determine if these pose a serious problem at this time. Occasional pink-tinged sputum may be expected at this time.

The nurse notes that a hospitalized client has experienced a positive reaction to the Mantoux tuberculin skin test. Which action by the nurse is the priority?

The nurse who interprets a Mantoux tuberculin skin test as positive notifies the health care provider (HCP) immediately. The HCP would prescribe a chest x-ray to determine whether the client has clinically active tuberculosis (TB) or old, healed lesions. A sputum culture would be done to confirm the diagnosis of active TB. The client is placed on TB precautions prophylactically until a final diagnosis is made. The findings are documented in the client's record, but this action is not the highest priority. Calling the employee health service would be of no benefit to the client.

A client reports the chronic use of nasal sprays. The nurse reinforces instructions to this client about which piece of information related to chronic use of nasal sprays?

The protective mechanisms of the nose may be altered with the chronic use of nasal sprays. Fungal infections occur with oral inhalers but not nasal sprays. Nosebleeds are uncommon. The client should not double-dose medications to increase their effect.

The nurse should plan to fill which chamber of the chest drainage unit to prevent atmospheric air from re-entering the pleural space? Refer to figure.

To prevent atmospheric air from re-entering the client's pleural space, the nurse needs to fill the water seal chamber to the level prescribed by the manufacturer, usually 2 cm. This is the minimum amount of fluid needed to prevent atmospheric air from re-entering the pleural space. Therefore, options 1, 3, and 4 are incorrect. Option 1 identifies the suction control chamber. Options 3 and 4 identify the collection chamber.

A client with active tuberculosis (TB) demonstrates less-than-expected interest in learning about the prescribed medication therapy. Which technique would the nurse ultimately need to employ in order to encourage participation?

Tuberculosis is a highly communicable disease, which is reportable to local public health departments. Each of these agencies has regulations that may be enforced to ensure compliance with tuberculosis therapy. The client may be required to have directly observed therapy to reduce the risk to the general public. This involves having a responsible person actually observe the client taking the medication each day.

pneumothorax

blunt sharp stab in the chest

The nurse is assigned to assist the health care provider with the removal of a chest tube. The nurse should reinforce instructing the client to do which during this process?

When the chest tube is removed, the client is asked to perform Valsalva's maneuver (i.e., take a deep breath, exhale, and bear down), the tube is quickly withdrawn, and an airtight dressing is taped in place. An alternative instruction is to ask the client to take a deep breath and hold the breath while the tube is removed. Options 1, 2, and 3 are incorrect client instructions.

The nurse is reading the results of a Mantoux tuberculin skin test on a client with no documented health problems. The site has no induration and a 1-mm area of ecchymosis. Which interpretation should the nurse make of these results?

A positive Mantoux tuberculin skin test reading has an induration measuring 10 mm or more in diameter and indicates exposure to tuberculosis. A small area of ecchymosis is insignificant and is probably related to injection technique. Therefore, the remaining options are incorrect

The nurse checks the water seal chamber of a closed chest drainage system and notes fluctuations in the chamber. The nurse analyzes this finding as indicative of which outcome?

Fluctuation (tidaling) in the water seal chamber is normal during inhalation and exhalation. Fluctuations of 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) during normal breathing are common. The absence of fluctuations could mean that the tubing is obstructed by a kink, the client is lying on the tubing, or dependent fluid has filled a loop of tubing. Expanded lung tissue also can block the chest tube eyelets during expiration. The absence of fluctuations also could mean that air is no longer leaking into the pleural space.

A client has a prescription for continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry. The nurse performs which best action to ensure accurate readings on the oximeter?

Several factors can interfere with the reading of accurate oxygen saturation levels on a pulse oximeter. To ensure accurate readings, the nurse should ask the client to limit motion of the area attached to the sensor. The nurse should apply the device to a warm area because hypotension, hypothermia, and vasoconstriction interfere with blood flow to the area. If possible, the nurse should avoid placing the sensor distal to any invasive arterial or venous catheters, pressure dressings, or blood pressure cuffs. The nurse needs to know that very dark nail polish (black, brown-red, blue, green) interferes with accurate measurement.

The nurse is collecting data on a client admitted to the hospital with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning and notes that the client behaves as if intoxicated. The nurse uses this data to make which interpretation?

The client with carbon monoxide poisoning may appear intoxicated. This is the end result of hypoxia on the central nervous system (CNS). With carbon monoxide poisoning, oxygen cannot easily bind onto the hemoglobin, which is carrying strongly bound carbon monoxide. Because cerebral tissue has a critical need for oxygen, sustained hypoxia may yield this typical finding. For this reason, options 2, 3, and 4 are incorrect interpretations.

The nurse is collecting data on a client with chronic airflow limitation (CAL) and notes that the client has a "barrel chest." The nurse interprets that this client has which forms of CAL?

The client with emphysema has hyperinflation of the alveoli and has flattening of the diaphragm. These lead to increased anteroposterior diameter, which is referred to as "barrel chest." The client also has dyspnea with prolonged expiration and has hyperresonant lungs to percussion

The nurse is planning care for a client whose oxygenation is being monitored by a pulse oximeter. Which intervention is important to ensure accurate monitoring of the client's oxygenation status?

The pulse oximeter passes a beam of light through the tissue, and a sensor attached to the fingertip, toe, or earlobe measures the amount of light absorbed by the oxygen-saturated hemoglobin. The oximeter then gives a reading of the percentage of hemoglobin that is saturated with oxygen (Sao2). Motion at the sensor site changes light absorption. The motion mimics the pulsatile motion of blood, and because the detector cannot distinguish between movement of blood and movement of the finger, results can be inaccurate.The sensor should not be placed distal to blood pressure cuffs, pressure dressings, arterial lines, or any invasive catheters. The sensor should not be taped to the client's finger. If values fall below preset norms (usually 90%) the client should be instructed to deep breathe, if this is appropriate.

A hospitalized client is dyspneic and has been diagnosed with left pneumothorax by chest x-ray. Which sign or symptom observed by the nurse clearly indicates that the pneumothorax is rapidly worsening?

A pneumothorax is characterized by distended neck veins, displaced point of maximal impulse (PMI), subcutaneous emphysema, tracheal deviation to the unaffected side, decreased fremitus, and worsening cyanosis. The client could have pain with respiration even with a milder pneumothorax. The increased intrathoracic pressure causes the blood pressure to fall, not rise. A respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute is within the normal range.

The nurse is assisting in caring for a client who has just returned from the postanesthesia care unit after radical neck dissection. The nurse monitors the portable wound suction for which types of drainage expected in the immediate postoperative period?

Immediately after radical neck dissection, the client will have a wound drain in the neck attached to portable suction, which drains serosanguineous drainage. In the first 24 hours after surgery, the drainage may total 80 to 120 mL. The drainage should not be grossly bloody and would not be serous or serous with sputum at this time.

The nurse is collecting data from a client who is experiencing the typical signs/symptoms of tuberculosis (TB). The nurse should expect the client to report having symptoms of fatigue and cough that have been present for how long?

The client with tuberculosis may report symptoms that have been present for weeks or even months. The symptoms may include fatigue, lethargy, chest pain, anorexia and weight loss, night sweats, low-grade fever, and cough with mucoid or blood-streaked sputum. It may be the production of blood-tinged sputum that finally forces some clients to seek care.

The nurse is suctioning a client through a tracheal tube. During the suctioning procedure, the nurse notes on the cardiac monitor that the heart rate has dropped 10 beats. Which should be the nurse's next action

During suctioning the nurse should monitor the client closely for complications including hypoxemia, drop in heart rate due to vagal stimulation, mucosal trauma, hypotension, and paroxysmal coughing. If complications develop, especially cardiac irregularities, the nurse should stop the procedure and oxygenate the client.

The nurse is preparing a plan of care for the client who will be returning from surgery following a right lung wedge resection. Included in the plan of care is that in the postoperative period, the nurse should avoid which positioning?

Following a wedge resection, the client should not be placed on the operative side. Lying on the operative side hinders expansion of remaining lung tissue and may accentuate perfusion of poorly ventilated tissue. This further impedes normal gas exchange. In addition, complete lateral turning may be contraindicated. The surgeon's prescriptions for positioning after this surgical procedure are always followed.

A cardiac monitor alarm sounds, and the nurse notes a straight line on the monitor screen. What is the nurse's immediate nursing action?

If a monitor alarms sounds, the nurse should first assess the clinical status of the client to see whether the problem is an actual dysrhythmia or a malfunction of the monitoring system. Asystole should not be mistaken for an unattached electrocardiogram wire. The other options would be appropriate once the nurse has assessed the client.

The nurse is caring for a client who is being treated for a pneumothorax with a closed chest tube drainage system. When repositioning the client, the chest tube disconnects. Which nursing action would be immediate?

In most situations, clamping chest tubes is contraindicated, and agency policy and procedure must be followed with regard to clamping a chest tube. When the client has a residual air leak or pneumothorax, clamping the chest tube may precipitate a tension pneumothorax because the air has no escape route. If the tube becomes disconnected, it is best to immediately reattach it to the drainage system or to submerge the end in a bottle of sterile water or saline to reestablish a water seal. If sterile water or saline is not readily available, it is preferable to leave the tube open because the risk of tension pneumothorax outweighs the consequences of an open tube. The nurse would also notify the registered nurse of the occurrence. The health care provider will need to be notified, but this is not the immediate action. The client would not be instructed to inhale.

The nurse is listening to the client's breath sounds and hears musical whistling noises on inspiration and expiration scattered throughout the right lung fields. How should the nurse interpret these noises?

Wheezes are musical noises heard on inspiration, expiration, or both. They are the result of narrowed air passages. Crackles have the sound that is heard when a few strands of hair are rubbed together near the ear, and indicate fluid in the alveoli. Rhonchi are usually heard on expiration when there is excessive production of mucus, which accumulates in the air passages. A pleural friction rub is characterized by sounds that are described as creaking, groaning, or grating in quality. The sounds are localized over an area of inflammation of the pleura and may be heard in both the inspiratory and expiratory phases of the respiratory cycle.

The nurse is gathering data on a client with a diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB). The nurse should review the results of which diagnostic test to confirm this diagnosis?

A definitive diagnosis of TB is confirmed through culture and isolation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A presumptive diagnosis is made on the basis of a tuberculin skin test, a sputum smear that is positive for acid-fast bacteria, a chest x-ray, and histologic evidence of granulomatous disease on biopsy.

The nursing student and clinical instructor are performing tracheotomy suction at the bedside of an adult client with a tracheostomy. Which action by the nursing student is incorrect, causing the clinical instructor to intervene?

Applying suction longer than 10 seconds can cause oxygen deprivation. The client should be placed into semi-Fowler's position to optimize breathing. Wall suction pressure of 100 mm Hg is usually recommended to prevent tissue disruption. The student is expected to insert the catheter without suction applied, to maintain oxygen delivery and to prevent damage to the mucosa.

The nurse is assisting in planning care for a client with a chest tube. The nurse should suggest to include which interventions in the plan? Select all that apply.

Chest-tube tubing is never pinned to the bed linens because this presents the risk of accidental dislodgment of the tube when the client moves. The chest tube system is not opened and emptied because a closed system must be maintained; if the system is opened, lung collapse can occur. Options 2, 3, and 5 are appropriate interventions for the plan of care for a client with a chest tube.

A client with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has histoplasmosis. Which sign/symptom should the nurse expect the client to experience?

Histoplasmosis is an opportunistic fungal infection that can occur in the client with AIDS. The infection begins as a respiratory infection and can progress to disseminated infection. Typical signs and symptoms include fever, dyspnea, cough, and weight loss. There may be an enlargement of the client's lymph nodes, liver, and spleen as well.

The nurse is admitting a client with a possible diagnosis of chronic bronchitis. The nurse collects data from the client and notes that which signs/symptoms support this diagnosis? Select all that apply.

Key features of pulmonary emphysema include dyspnea that is often marked, late cough (after onset of dyspnea), scant mucous production, and marked weight loss. By contrast, chronic bronchitis is characterized by an early onset of cough (before dyspnea), copious purulent mucous production, minimal weight loss, and milder severity of dyspnea.

Which nursing actions would contribute to monitoring and maintaining a patent airway for the postoperative client? Select all that apply

Monitoring and maintaining a patent airway is a nursing responsibility. The nurse should monitor oxygen saturation closely and administer oxygen as prescribed. The use of an incentive spirometer is especially helpful to prevent atelectasis and hypoventilation. Unless contraindicated, the client should be positioned on the side or with the head turned to the side to prevent aspiration until fully recovered, alert, and with the gag reflex intact. The client is encouraged to deep breathe and cough every 2 hours to prevent atelectasis. The client should be repositioned every 2 hours, which changes the distribution of gas and blood flow in the lungs and helps move secretions

The nurse is reviewing the health care record of a client with a new onset of pleurisy. The nurse notes documentation that the client does not have a pleural friction rub, which was auscultated the previous day. How should this finding be interpreted?

Pleural friction rub is auscultated early in the course of pleurisy, before pleural fluid accumulates. Once fluid accumulates in the inflamed area, there is less friction between the visceral and parietal lung surfaces, and the pleural friction rub disappears. Options 1, 2, and 3 are incorrect interpretations.

The nurse is reinforcing discharge instructions to the client with pulmonary sarcoidosis. The nurse knows that the client understands the information if the client verbalizes which early sign of exacerbation?

Shortness of breath is an early sign of exacerbation of pulmonary sarcoidosis. Others include chest pain, hemoptysis, and pneumothorax. Systemic signs and symptoms that occur later include weakness and fatigue, malaise, fever, and weight loss.

The nurse is caring for a client hospitalized with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which should the nurse expect the client to experience?

Signs/symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease include hypoxemia, hypercapnia, dyspnea on exertion and at rest, oxygen desaturation with exercise, and the use of accessory muscles of respiration. Chest x-ray will reveal a hyperinflated chest and a flattened diaphragm if the disease is advanced.

A client with a respiratory disorder has anorexia secondary to fatigue and dyspnea while eating. The nurse determines that the client has followed the recommendations to improve intake if which action is taken?

The client is taught to plan the largest meal of the day at a time when the client is most likely to be hungry. It is also beneficial to eat four to six small meals per day if needed. The client avoids dry foods, which are hard to chew and swallow. The client also avoids milk and chocolate, which have a tendency to thicken saliva and secretions. Finally, the client should avoid the use of caffeine, which contributes to dehydration by promoting diuresis.

A client has undergone a right pneumonectomy. The nurse positioning this client following admission from the postanesthesia care unit avoids placing the client in which harmful position?

The client who has a pneumonectomy should not be positioned in the extreme lateral position. This could cause mediastinal shift and compression of remaining lung tissue. The other positions do not pose this risk for the client.

The nurse determines that which client is at greatest risk for development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?

The client with pancreatitis and gram-negative sepsis is at greatest risk of developing ARDS because of the presence of two risk factors for its development. Although the client with blunt chest trauma is also at risk, those who have multiple risk factors have a three to four times greater incidence for development of ARDS. Massive blood transfusion is a risk factor for ARDS; however, this client has received only 1 unit. Pulmonary edema after myocardial infarction occurs when increased pulmonary capillary hydrostatic pressure causes flooding of the pulmonary interstitial spaces and then the alveoli. The pulmonary edema that occurs in ARDS is due to damage to pulmonary vasculature resulting in increased pulmonary capillary permeability.

The nurse is suctioning an adult client through a tracheostomy tube. During the procedure, the nurse notes that the client's oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry is 89%. Which action should the nurse implement?

The nurse should monitor the client's heart rate and pulse oximetry during suctioning to assess the client's tolerance of the procedure. Oxygen desaturation below 90% indicates hypoxia. If hypoxia occurs during suctioning, the nurse stops the suctioning procedure. Using the 100% oxygen delivery system, the client is reoxygenated until baseline parameters are achieved. The size of the catheter should not exceed half of the size of the tracheal lumen. In adults, the standard catheter size is 12 to 14 French. Adequate catheter size facilitates efficient removal of secretions without causing hypoxemia

A client with right pleural effusion by chest x-ray is being prepared for a thoracentesis. The client experiences dizziness when sitting upright. The nurse assists the client to which position for the procedure?

To facilitate removal of fluid from the chest wall, two positions may be used. The client may be positioned sitting on the edge of the bed, leaning over the bedside table with his or her feet supported on a stool. The other position is lying in bed on the unaffected side with the head of the bed elevated 45 degrees (Fowler's position). The other options are incorrect because they do not facilitate drainage of fluid to an area where it can be easily removed with thoracentesis.

A client is being prepared for a thoracentesis. The nurse should assist the client to which position for the procedure?

To facilitate the removal of fluid from the chest, the client is positioned sitting on the edge of the bed, leaning over a bedside table, with the feet supported on a stool or lying in bed on the unaffected side, (to facilitate the centesis) with the head of the bed elevated 45 degrees (Fowler's position). Options 1, 2, and 3 are incorrect.

The nurse is caring for a client following segmental resection of the upper lobe of the left lung. The nurse notes 700 mL of grossly bloody drainage in the chest tube drainage system during the first hour following surgery. Which statement represents the nurse's accurate interpretation of this finding?

Within the first 2 hours following surgery, 100 to 300 mL of drainage is expected. An amount of 700 mL is excessive and indicates that hemorrhage may be occurring, and the client requires further data collection. The health care provider should be notified. Options 2, 3, and 4 are incorrect.

A client with a diagnosis of lung cancer returns to the nursing unit after a left pneumonectomy. Which nursing actions should be done? Select all that apply.

A client with a pneumonectomy can be turned slightly and supported with a pillow but complete lateral positioning is contraindicated because of pressure on the bronchial stump or shifting of mediastinal contents. In addition, the surgeon's prescription for positioning is always checked and followed. The client needs to receive oxygen and use an incentive spirometer to prevent atelectasis in the remaining lung. Vital signs and pulse oximetry need to be monitored frequently. The client should not be placed in respiratory isolation to prevent infection; this is unnecessary.

The nurse is caring for a hospitalized client with a suspected diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB). Which finding does the nurse expect to note during data collection?

The client with tuberculosis usually experiences cough (either productive or nonproductive), fatigue, anorexia, weight loss, dyspnea, hemoptysis, chest discomfort or pain, chills and sweats (which may occur at night), and a low-grade fever.

A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who is beginning oxygen therapy asks the nurse why the flow rate cannot be increased to more than 2 L/min. The nurse responds that this would be harmful because it could cause which difficulty?

Normally, respiratory rate varies with the amount of carbon dioxide present in the blood. In clients with COPD this natural center becomes ineffective after exposure to high carbon dioxide levels for prolonged periods. Instead, the level of oxygen provides the respiratory stimulus. The client with COPD cannot increase oxygen levels independently because it could deplete the respiratory drive, leading to respiratory failure.

A client has undergone fluoroscopy-assisted aspiration biopsy of a lung lesion. The nurse determines that the client is experiencing complications from the procedure if the nurse makes which observation?

Pneumothorax and bleeding are possible complications of this procedure. The client is observed for signs of respiratory difficulty, such as dyspnea, change in breath sounds, vital signs, pallor, and diaphoresis. Observation of the sputum for traces of blood or hemoptysis also is indicated. The absence of breath sounds in the right upper lobe indicates a potential pneumothorax.

The nurse is assessing a client diagnosed with sinusitis. Which are signs and symptoms of sinusitis? Select all that apply.

Signs and symptoms of sinusitis include a feeling of heaviness over the affected areas. This can feel like a toothache if maxillary sinusitis or a headache, especially in the morning, for frontal sinusitis. Nasal drainage can become purulent. The white blood count is elevated. A high fever and nuchal rigidity are signs and symptoms of meningitis, which is a possible complication of sinusitis.

A client diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) is distressed over the loss of physical stamina and fatigue. The nurse should provide which explanation for these symptoms?

The client with TB has significant fatigue and loss of physical stamina. This can be very frightening for the client. The nurse teaches the client that this will resolve as the therapy progresses and that the client should gradually increase activity as energy levels permit.

The nurse is caring for the client diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB). Which finding made by the nurse would be inconsistent with the usual clinical presentation of tuberculosis?

The client with TB usually experiences cough (either productive or nonproductive), fatigue, anorexia, weight loss, dyspnea, hemoptysis, chest discomfort or pain, chills and sweating (which may occur at night), and a low-grade fever.

Tuberculosis is a highly communicable disease, which is reportable to local public health departments. Each of these agencies has regulations that may be enforced to ensure compliance with tuberculosis therapy. The client may be required to have directly observed therapy to reduce the risk to the general public. This involves having a responsible person actually observe the client taking the medication each day.

To facilitate removal of fluid from the chest wall, two positions may be used. The client may be positioned sitting on the edge of the bed, leaning over the bedside table with his or her feet supported on a stool. The other position is lying in bed on the unaffected side with the head of the bed elevated 45 degrees (Fowler's position). The other options are incorrect because they do not facilitate drainage of fluid to an area where it can be easily removed with thoracentesis.

A client is being prepared for a thoracentesis. The nurse should assist the client to which position for the procedure

To facilitate the removal of fluid from the chest, the client is positioned sitting on the edge of the bed, leaning over a bedside table, with the feet supported on a stool or lying in bed on the unaffected side, with the head of the bed elevated 45 degrees (Fowler's position). Options 1, 2, and 3 are incorrect.

The nurse is caring for a client with an endotracheal tube attached to a ventilator. The high-pressure alarm sounds on the ventilator. The nurse prepares to perform which priority nursing intervention?

When the high-pressure alarm sounds on a ventilator, it is most likely caused by an obstruction. The obstruction can be caused by the client biting on the tube, kinking of the tubing, or mucous plugging requiring suctioning. It is also important to check the tubing for the presence of any water and determine whether the client is out of rhythm with breathing with the ventilator. A disconnection or a cuff leak can result in the sounding of the low-pressure alarm. The respiratory therapist should be notified if the nurse could not determine the cause of the alarm

The nurse is reviewing the record of a client with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The nurse determines that which finding documented in the client's record is consistent with the most expected characteristic of this disorder?

The most characteristic sign of ARDS is increasing hypoxemia with a Pao2 of less than 60 mm Hg. This occurs despite increasing levels of oxygen that are administered to the client. The client's earliest sign is an increased respiratory rate. Breathing then becomes labored, and the client may exhibit air hunger, retractions, and peripheral cyanosis.

The nurse is reading the results of a Mantoux tuberculin skin test on a client with no documented health problems. The site has no induration and a 1-mm area of ecchymosis. Which interpretation should the nurse make of these results?

A positive Mantoux tuberculin skin test reading has an induration measuring 10 mm or more in diameter and indicates exposure to tuberculosis. A small area of ecchymosis is insignificant and is probably related to injection technique. Therefore, the remaining options are incorrect.

The nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching with a client diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) and has been on medication for 1½ weeks. The nurse knows that the client has understood the information if which statement is made?

The client is continued on medication therapy for 6 to 12 months, depending on the situation. The client is generally considered to be not contagious after 2 to 3 weeks of medication therapy. The client is instructed to wear a mask if there will be exposure to crowds until the medication is effective in preventing transmission. The client is allowed to return to employment when the results of three sputum cultures are negative.

The nurse is reviewing the prescriptions of a client admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Which interventions should the nurse expect to note? Select all that apply.

The client with acute pancreatitis is normally placed on an NPO status to rest the pancreas and suppress gastrointestinal (GI) secretions. Because abdominal pain is a prominent symptom of pancreatitis, pain medication will be prescribed. Some clients experience lessened pain by assuming positions that flex the trunk and draw the knees up to the chest. A side-lying position with the head elevated 45 degrees decreases tension on the abdomen and may also help ease the pain. The client is susceptible to respiratory infections because the retroperitoneal fluid raises the diaphragm, which causes the client to take shallow, guarded abdominal breaths. Therefore, measures such as turning, coughing, and deep breathing are instituted. Antacids and anticholinergics may be prescribed to suppress GI secretions.

The nurse is assisting in caring for a client with a tracheal tube attached to a ventilator when the high-pressure alarm sounds. The nurse checks the client and system for which most likely cause?

When the high-pressure alarm sounds on a ventilator, it is most likely due to an obstruction. The obstruction can be caused by the client bending the tube, kinking of the tubing, or mucus in the lungs that requires suctioning. It is also important to assess the tubing for the presence of any water and determine if the client is out of rhythm with breathing with the ventilator. The incorrect options list items that may be responsible for a low-pressure alarm on the ventilator -Tracheal tube cuff leak.Loose connection in the system. Disconnection from the ventilator

A client who is postoperative with incisional pain complains to the nurse about completing respiratory exercises. The client is willing to do the deep breathing exercises but states that it hurts to cough. The nurse provides gentle encouragement and appropriate pain management to the client, knowing that coughing is needed for which reason?

Coughing is one of the protective reflexes. Its purpose is to move mucus that is in the airways upward toward the mouth and nose. Coughing is needed in the postoperative client to mobilize secretions and expel them from the airways. The other options do not accurately address the purpose of coughing in the postoperative client.

The nurse is suctioning a client through a tracheostomy tube. During the procedure, the client begins to cough, and the nurse notes the presence of an audible wheeze. The nurse attempts to remove the suction catheter from the client's trachea but is unable to do so. What is the nurse's priority response?

The inability to remove a suction catheter is a critical situation. This finding, along with the client's symptoms presented in the question, indicates the presence of bronchospasm and bronchoconstriction. The nurse would immediately disconnect the suction source from the catheter but leave the catheter in the trachea. The nurse would then connect the oxygen source to the catheter. The nurse also notifies the registered nurse, who then notifies the health care provider. The health care provider will most likely prescribe an inhaled bronchodilator. The nurse also prepares for emergency resuscitation if this situation occurs during suctioning.

Mantoux tuberculin skin test

The TST is performed by injecting 0.1 ml of tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) into the inner surface of the forearm. The injection should be made with a tuberculin syringe, with the needle bevel facing upward. The TST is an intradermal injection. When placed correctly, the injection should produce a pale elevation of the skin (a wheal) 6 to 10 mm in diameter. The skin test reaction should be read between 48 and 72 hours after administration. A patient who does not return within 72 hours will need to be rescheduled for another skin test. The reaction should be measured in millimeters of the induration (palpable, raised, hardened area or swelling). The reader should not measure erythema (redness). The diameter of the indurated area should be measured across the forearm (perpendicular to the long axis). An induration of 5 or more millimeters is considered positive in -HIV-infected persons -A recent contact of a person with TB disease -Persons with fibrotic changes on chest radiograph consistent with prior TB -Patients with organ transplants -Persons who are immunosuppressed for other reasons (e.g., taking the equivalent of >15 mg/day of prednisone for 1 month or longer, taking TNF-a antagonists)

The nurse is observing a nursing student listening to the breath sounds of a client. The nurse intervenes if the student performs which incorrect procedure?

To listen to breath sounds, the stethoscope always is placed directly on the client's skin, and not over a gown or clothing. The nurse asks the client to sit up and breathe slowly and deeply through the mouth. Breath sounds are auscultated using the diaphragm of the stethoscope, which is warmed before use.

A client who is experiencing severe respiratory acidosis has a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. The nurse determines this result is best characterized by which interpretation?

With severe respiratory acidosis, compensatory mechanisms fail. As hydrogen ion concentrations continue to rise, they are driven into the cell, forcing intracellular potassium out. This is an expected finding in this situation. Options 1, 2, and 3 are incorrect interpretations.

The nurse is preparing to suction an adult client through the client's tracheostomy tube. Which interventions should the nurse perform for this procedure? Select all that apply.

Intermittent suction is applied while rotating the catheter for 10 to 15 seconds. The nurse should hyperoxygenate the client with a resuscitator bag/Ambu-bag connected to an oxygen source before suctioning because suction depletes the client's oxygen supply (option 2). The catheter should be inserted gently until resistance is met or the client coughs, then pulled back 1 cm or ½ inch. Intermittent suction is applied while rotating and withdrawing the catheter. Option 3 is incorrect because wall suction should be set to 80 to 120 mm Hg. Pressure set at a higher level can cause trauma to respiratory tract tissues. Strict asepsis needs to be maintained, and the nurse would wear sterile gloves to perform this procedure. Suction is never applied when inserting the catheter because it will deplete oxygen and can traumatize tissues.

A client who has had a radical neck dissection begins to hemorrhage at the incision site. Which action by the nurse would be contraindicated?

If the client begins to hemorrhage from the surgical site following radical neck dissection, the nurse elevates the head of the bed to maintain airway patency and prevent aspiration. The nurse applies pressure over the bleeding site and calls the health care provider immediately.

The nurse is monitoring a client following a motor vehicle crash. Which finding would indicate a need for chest tube placement?

Shortness of breath and tracheal deviation result when lung tissue and alveoli have collapsed. Air entering the pleural cavity causes the lung to lose its normal negative pressure. The increasing pressure in the affected side displaces contents to the unaffected side. Shortness of breath results from decreased area available for diffusion of gases. Chest pain and shortness of breath are more commonly associated with myocardial ischemia or infarction. Clients requiring chest tubes exhibit decreasing oxygen saturation but tubes exhibit decreasing oxygen saturation but will more likely experience tachypnea related to the hypoxia. Peripheral cyanosis is caused by circulatory disorders. Hypotension may be a result of tracheal deviation and impedance of venous return to the heart. It may also be the result of other problems, such as a failing heart.

The nurse is monitoring a client following a motor vehicle crash. Which finding would indicate a need for chest tube placement?

Shortness of breath and tracheal deviation result when lung tissue and alveoli have collapsed. Air entering the pleural cavity causes the lung to lose its normal negative pressure. The increasing pressure in the affected side displaces contents to the unaffected side. Shortness of breath results from decreased area available for diffusion of gases. Chest pain and shortness of breath are more commonly associated with myocardial ischemia or infarction. Clients requiring chest tubes exhibit decreasing oxygen saturation but will more likely experience tachypnea related to the hypoxia. Peripheral cyanosis is caused by circulatory disorders. Hypotension may be a result of tracheal deviation and impedance of venous return to the heart. It may also be the result of other problems, such as a failing heart.

The nurse reads a client's tuberculin skin test as positive. The nurse notes that previous tests were negative. The client becomes upset and asks the nurse what this means. The nurse's response is based on the understanding that which statement is true for this client?

A client who tests positive on a tuberculin skin test has either been exposed to tuberculosis or has inactive (dormant) tuberculosis. The client must then be tested by chest x-ray and sputum culture to confirm the diagnosis.

In which area of the chest should the nurse expect to auscultate this breath sound? (Refer to audio.)Over the peripheral lung fields

Breath sounds are noises resulting from the transmission of vibrations produced by the movement of air in the respiratory passages. Normal breath sounds include bronchovesicular sounds, vesicular breath sounds, and bronchial breath sounds. The sounds that the nurse hears are vesicular breath sounds. Vesicular breath sounds normally are heard over the lesser bronchi, bronchioles, and lobes (peripheral lung fields). These sounds are soft and low pitched and resemble a sighing or gentle rustling, and the resemble a sighing or gentle rustling, and the inspiration phase is longer than the expiration phase. Bronchovesicular breath sounds normally are heard over the first and second intercostal spaces at the sternal border anteriorly and at T4 medial to the scapula posteriorly (over major bronchi). These sounds are a mixture of bronchial and vesicular breath sounds and are moderately pitched with a medium intensity. The inspiration and expiration phases are equal. Bronchial breath sounds are loud, high-pitched sounds that resemble air blowing through a hollow pipe. The expiration phase is louder and longer than the inspiration phase and there is a distinct pause between the inspiration and expiration phase. Bronchial breath sounds are heard normally over the manubrium.

The nurse is planning therapeutic interventions for a client who experienced a rib fracture 2 days earlier. The nurse understands that which intervention should be included? Select all that apply.

Common therapies for fractured ribs include rest, analgesics, and the local application of heat that speeds the resolution of inflammation. Ice is not effective 48 hours after injury, and oxygen may not be necessary. Analgesics that cause respiratory depression are avoided.

The nurse is checking the chest tube drainage system of a postoperative client who had a right upper lobectomy. The closed drainage system has 300 mL of bloody drainage, and the nurse notes intermittent bubbling in the water-seal chamber. One hour following the initial data collection, the nurse notes that the bubbling in the water-seal chamber is now constant, and the client appears dyspneic. Based on these findings, which action should the nurse do first?

The client's dyspnea is most likely related to an air leak caused by a loose connection. Other causes might be a tear in the pulmonary pleura, which requires health care provider intervention. Although the other options are correct, they should be performed after initial attempts to locate and correct the air leak. It only takes a moment to check the connections, and if a leak is found and corrected, the client's symptoms should resolve. The nurse would also notify the registered nurse.

The nurse is reinforcing instructions to a client following a total laryngectomy about caring for the stoma. Which instructions should the nurse provide to the client? Select all that apply.

The client with a stoma should be instructed to wash the stoma daily with a washcloth. Soaps, cotton swabs, or tissues should be avoided because their particles may enter and obstruct the airway. The client should be instructed to avoid applying alcohol to a stoma because it is both drying and irritating. A thin layer of petroleum jelly applied to the skin around the stoma helps prevent cracking. The client is instructed to protect the stoma from water.

The nurse is suctioning an adult client through a tracheostomy tube. During the procedure, the nurse notes that the client's oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry is 89%. Which action should the nurse implement?

The nurse should monitor the client's heart rate and pulse oximetry during suctioning to assess the client's tolerance of the procedure. Oxygen desaturation below 90% indicates hypoxia. If hypoxia occurs during suctioning, the nurse stops the suctioning procedure. Using the 100% oxygen delivery system, the client is reoxygenated until baseline parameters are achieved. The size of the catheter should not exceed half of the size of the tracheal lumen. In adults, the standard catheter size is 12 to 14 French. Adequate catheter size facilitates efficient removal of secretions without causing hypoxemia.

The nurse is preparing a list of home care instructions for the client who has been hospitalized and treated for tuberculosis. Which instructions should the nurse reinforce? Select all that apply

The nurse should provide the client and family with information about tuberculosis and allay concerns about the contagious aspect of the infection. The client is reassured that after 2 to 3 weeks of medication therapy, it is unlikely that the client will infect anyone. The client is also informed that activities should be resumed gradually. The client and family are informed that respiratory isolation is not necessary, because family members have already been exposed. The client is instructed about thorough hand washing and to cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and confine used tissues to plastic bags. The client is informed that a sputum culture is needed every 2 to 4 weeks once medication therapy is initiated and that when the results of three sputum cultures are negative, the client is no longer considered infectious and can usually return to his or her former employment

The nurse is preparing a list of home care instructions for the client who has been hospitalized and treated for tuberculosis. Which instructions should the nurse reinforce? Select all that apply.

The nurse should provide the client and family with information about tuberculosis and allay concerns about the contagious aspect of the infection. The client is reassured that after 2 to 3 weeks of medication therapy, it is unlikely that the client will infect anyone. The client is also informed that activities should be resumed gradually. The client and family are informed that respiratory isolation is not necessary, because family members have already been exposed. The client is instructed about thorough hand washing and to cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and confine used tissues to plastic bags. The client is informed that a sputum culture is needed every 2 to 4 weeks once medication therapy is initiated and that when the results of three sputum cultures are negative, the client is no longer considered infectious and can usually return to his or her former employment.

The nurse is collecting data from a client with pneumonia. Chest auscultation over areas of consolidation reveals this breath sound. (Refer to audio.) The nurse should interpret this sound to be indicative of which breath sound?

The sound that the nurse hears is a bronchial breath sound. Bronchial breath sounds are loud, high-pitched sounds that resemble air blowing through a hollow pipe. The expiration phase is louder and longer than the inspiration phase, and there is a distinct pause between the inspiration and expiration phase. Bronchial breath sounds normally are heard only over the manubrium. When they are heard over the periphery of the lung, they indicate abnormal sound transmission because of consolidation of lung tissue, as in pneumonia. A pleural friction rub is a superficial, low-pitched, coarse rubbing or grating sound that sounds like two surfaces rubbing together and is heard in the client with pleurisy. Vesicular breath sounds normally are heard over the lesser bronchi, bronchioles, and lobes (peripheral lung fields). These sounds are soft and low-pitched and resemble a sighing or gentle rustling. Bronchovesicular breath sounds normally are heard over the first and second intercostal spaces at the sternal border anteriorly and at T4 medial to the scapula posteriorly. These sounds are a mixture of bronchial and vesicular breath sounds and are moderately pitched with a medium intensity.

A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on bed rest is weaned from the ventilator before transferring to a medical unit. To adequately restore client strength before getting the client out of bed, which is the priority client activity for the nurse to incorporate in the plan of care?

Therapy for COPD usually includes glucocorticoids that carry a high risk of complications such as muscle and bone wasting, fragile skin, impaired immune functioning, and fluid retention, so the nurse must restore some client strength before attempting to get the client out of the bed. Because the client is likely to be weak from bed rest and lack of activity during mechanical ventilation and treatment, the nurse establishes outcomes for the client, including restoration of pulmonary, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal functioning to return to baseline functioning. To begin safely, the nurse instructs the client to reposition himself in bed to exert force on muscles and bones, helping to reverse the tissue loss incurred during bed rest. The nurse initially positions a client with COPD at 45 degrees or higher until the client can tolerate a lower position and still maintain adequate oxygenation. Self-repositioning can be followed with dangling at the bedside and sitting in the chair before attempting ambulation. Active flexing and extending ankles is very important to prevent a thromboembolic event related to bed rest, but this activity will not adequately restore strength.