Question

A man has been admitted to the hospital unit with a medical diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). He is receiving supplemental oxygen 2.0 nasal cannula. Which nursing positioning techniques will best assist him with his breathing?

a) Positioning the patient supine
b) Placing the patient in a high-fowler's position
c) Laying the patient on his right side
d) Positioning the patient flat on his stomach

Answer 1

The best nursing positioning technique to assist a patient with COPD who is receiving supplemental oxygen 2.0 nasal cannula is a high-Fowler's position, which promotes optimal lung expansion.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best nursing positioning technique to assist a patient with COPD who is receiving supplemental oxygen 2.0 nasal cannula is to place the patient in a high-Fowler's position (option b).

The high-Fowler's position allows for optimal lung expansion by elevating the head of the bed to a 90-degree angle, promoting a better airflow and reducing the work of breathing.

Other positions mentioned in the options, such as supine (lying flat), right side-lying, and flat on the stomach, may restrict chest expansion and hinder breathing in patients with COPD.