Question

A 16-year old patient with cystic fibrosis is admitted with increased shortness of breath and possible pneumonia. Which nursing activity is most important to include in the patient's care?

A. Perform postural drainage and chest physiotherapy every 4 hours
B. Allow the patient to decide whether she needs aerosolized medications
C. Place the patient in a private room to decrease the risk of further infection
D. Plan activities to allow at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep

Answer 1

Performing postural drainage and chest physiotherapy every 4 hours is the most important care activity for a cystic fibrosis patient with increased shortness of breath and possible pneumonia, aiding in mucus clearance and preventing further lung complications.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most important nursing activity to include in the care of a 16-year-old patient with cystic fibrosis who is admitted with increased shortness of breath and possible pneumonia is A. Perform postural drainage and chest physiotherapy every 4 hours. This is crucial for patients with cystic fibrosis as their condition causes excess, thickened mucus to accumulate in the lungs, decreasing the effectiveness of their lung defenses and making them susceptible to infections like Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia. Postural drainage and chest physiotherapy help mobilize the mucus, facilitating its clearance and improving respiratory function.

Patients with cystic fibrosis face challenges due to a genetic defect affecting the CFTR, leading to decreased mucociliary function and an increased risk for bacterial colonization and biofilm formation in the lungs. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a significant pathogen in this population, often resistant to antibiotics and can cause chronic infections that contribute to the deterioration of lung function. The role of postural drainage and physiotherapy is, therefore, to complement antibiotic therapy and prevent further pulmonary complications.