Burton Sneak Preview

3. Why is an incentive spirometer beneficial for the patient with atelectasis?

An incentive spirometer encourages patients to take deep breaths by showing the patient the volume of their inhalations. Atelectasis and pneumonia can cause the alveoli to close or become congested, and forced inhalation will reopen the air sacs, promoting ventilation. 4. Why does chest physical therapy include both postural drainage and chest percussion? Chest physical therapy is the routine use of postural drainage and chest percussion. With postural drainage, fluid is drained from the lungs using gravity. Draining secretions from the smaller airways to the larger airways encourages expectoration. Chest percussion loosens

and mobilizes secretions so they can drain to the larger airways. 5. In what situations is an oropharyngeal airway appropriate to use?

An oropharyngeal airway should only be used in an unconscious patient to hold the tongue in place so that it cannot obstruct the airway. 6. In which situations is a pharyngeal airway appropriate for suctioning? The nurse should consider a pharyngeal airway when the patient is unable to clear the airway for a variety of reasons, including a weak cough, decreased level of consciousness, or postoperative pain. It is important to be aware of signs that the patient needs to be suctioned, such as rattling sounds in the throat, shortness of breath, ineffective cough, and crackles on auscultating the lungs.

T IPS

There are many factors to consider when caring for the patient with respiratory problems. This activity is designed to help students become aware of some of the interventions that can make a dramatic improvement in a person’s ability to breathe effectively.

G OALS

The purpose of this activity is for students to make a connection between respiratory interventions and what may be occurring in the body. If the students can tell you why something is happening, they can think more critically about interventions and the expected outcomes.

O NLINE A PPLICATION

• Post one question to the course discussion board each day during the week. Divide the students into small groups, having each group lead the discussion for one day.

Patient Education — Promotion of Oxygenation

D IRECTIONS

Divide students into groups. Ask them to create some type of patient education material (e.g., video, brochure, handout, poster) for one of the following scenarios. Students can use the textbook as a reference. Sample answers are provided here.

Scenarios