Question

"A client is unable to take a deep breath and doesn't want to get out of bed because his chest tube is causing discomfort. To increase client adherence to the treatment plan, the nurse should:

-administer pain medication and delay client activity.
- tell the client why lung expansion is important.
-arrange a care schedule that includes rest periods.
-teach the client how to use an incentive spirometer."

Answer 1

To aid a patient with chest tube discomfort, a nurse should schedule rest periods, manage pain, instruct on spirometer use, and explain the importance of lung expansion, considering factors like thoracic wall compliance and intrapleural pressure.

Step-by-step explanation:

To increase client adherence to the treatment plan for a patient experiencing discomfort from a chest tube and difficulty taking deep breaths, the nurse should arrange a care schedule that includes rest periods, administer pain medication to manage chest tube discomfort, teach the client how to use an incentive spirometer, and explain why lung expansion is important. These actions assist in reducing the patient's discomfort, facilitating lung expansion, and encouraging cooperation with the treatment regime. Understanding thoracic wall compliance and the impact of intrapleural pressure on breathing can guide these interventions. For example, thoracic wall compliance affects the effort needed for inspiration; proper lung and chest wall expansion is necessary to improve breathing efficiency and decrease the work of breathing. Additionally, a puncture to the thoracic cavity, like a chest tube, can alter the ability to inhale, requiring careful monitoring and management to ensure the lungs are adequately inflated and functioning.