Question

What intervention is most appropriate to prevent respiratory complications resulting from immobility?

a. Suction every 4 to 6 hours.
b. Administer pain medications as frequently as possible.
c. Teach the patient the technique of pursed lip breathing.
d. Reposition the patient, and encourage him or her to cough and deep breathe at least every 2 hours.

Answer 1

The most appropriate intervention to prevent respiratory complications resulting from immobility is repositioning the patient and encouraging coughing and deep breathing every 2 hours.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate intervention to prevent respiratory complications resulting from immobility is option d. Reposition the patient, and encourage him or her to cough and deep breathe at least every 2 hours.

When a patient is immobile, they are at a higher risk for respiratory complications such as pneumonia, atelectasis, and respiratory muscle weakness. Repositioning the patient helps to prevent stagnant fluids and secretions from accumulating in the lungs. Encouraging the patient to cough and deep breathe promotes the clearance of mucus and improves lung ventilation.