Question

A 52 year-old post-operative cholecystectomy patient's breath sounds become more coarse upon completion of postural drainage with percussion. The respiratory therapist should recommend?

1) continuing the therapy until breath sounds improve
2) administering dornase alpha
3) administering albuterol therapy
4) deep breathing and coughing to clear secretions

Answer 1

The respiratory therapist should advise deep breathing and coughing exercises to help the patient clear secretions after their breath sounds become more coarse following postural drainage with percussion.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a 52 year-old post-operative cholecystectomy patient's breath sounds become more coarse upon completion of postural drainage with percussion, the respiratory therapist should recommend deep breathing and coughing to clear secretions (Option 4). This recommendation is based on the expectation that the patient's coarse breath sounds following postural drainage may indicate the mobilization of secretions that now need to be expectorated. Deep breathing exercises can help expand the lungs and facilitate the movement of secretions towards the central airways, while coughing is the body’s natural way to expel mucus. It is also beneficial to monitor the patient's response to these maneuvers and reevaluate if necessary.