Question

A nurse is reinforcing teaching by demonstrating deep breathing and coughing exercises to a client who is scheduled for abdominal surgery. Which of the following responses by the client should the nurse postpone the teaching?

a) "I will take a deep breath and hold it for as long as I can."
b) "I'll exhale forcefully while keeping my mouth closed."
c) "I will use my abdominal muscles to assist with the coughing."
d) "I prefer to perform these exercises lying down."

Answer 1

The nurse should postpone teaching if the client says they will exhale forcefully while keeping their mouth closed, as it is not the proper way to perform deep breathing exercises post-surgery. The client should be taught to use diaphragmatic breathing for inhalation and relax for exhalation. Lying down is an acceptable position for performing breathing exercises post-surgery.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the options provided by the client, the nurse should postpone teaching if the client responds with "I'll exhale forcefully while keeping my mouth closed." This method does not facilitate proper exhalation and can be counterproductive to deep breathing exercises which are crucial post-abdominal surgery. Proper diaphragmatic breathing facilitates recovery by promoting full oxygen exchange and preventing post-operative complications such as pneumonia. The diaphragm should contract during inhalation to allow the lungs to fill with air and relax during exhalation, letting the air passively leave the lungs. After surgery, especially abdominal, it is important to use the abdominal muscles to assist with coughing, which helps clear the airways. Furthermore, practicing breathing exercises lying down is acceptable as it may be the most comfortable position for a client post-surgery.