Question

A nurse is completing discharge teaching to a client who has COPD. The client verbalizes understanding of the orthopneic position when he states, "When I have difficulty breathing at night, I will

A. lie on my back with my head and shoulders elevated on a pillow."
B. lie flat on my stomach with my head to one side."
C. sit on the side of my bed and rest my arms over pillows on top of my raised bedside table."
D. lie on my side with my weight on my hips and shoulder with my arms flexed in front of me."

Answer 1

The orthopneic position for someone with COPD involves lying on the back with the head and shoulders elevated on a pillow to facilitate easier breathing at night.

Step-by-step explanation:

The orthopneic position, as described by the client with COPD, entails lying on the back with the head and shoulders elevated on a pillow. This position helps alleviate difficulty breathing at night by allowing the diaphragm to move downward and expand the lungs more effectively.

By positioning oneself in this manner, gravity assists in keeping the airway open, reducing the risk of airway blockage and promoting better sleep. In contrast, lying flat on the stomach or in other positions may hinder optimal airflow and exacerbate breathing difficulties for someone with COPD.