Question

The LPN notes that her patient is 2 days postop from ICU for thoracic surgery; the care plan reads: Impaired

Gas Exchange r/t decreased lung expansion, impaired lung function, and surgical procedure. Which interventions are of primary importance for the care of the client? Select all the apply.
a) assess the client's dressings and incisions for increased drainage
b)monitor client's temperature at least every 4 hours
c) remind the client to deep breathe and cough at least every 2 hours
d)reposition the client so that the head is elevated 30-40 degrees
e) 30 minutes after giving pain meds ask client to rate pain on a scale of 1-10.

Answer 1

The primary interventions for a patient with impaired gas exchange post-thoracic surgery are assessing dressings and incisions, monitoring temperature, encouraging deep breathing and coughing, repositioning the client, and pain management.

Step-by-step explanation:

For a patient who is 2 days postop from ICU for thoracic surgery with a care plan reading: Impaired Gas Exchange r/t decreased lung expansion, impaired lung function, and surgical procedure, the following interventions are of primary importance:

• Assess the client's dressings and incisions for increased drainage to monitor for signs of infection or complications from the surgery.
• Monitor client's temperature at least every 4 hours to early detect signs of infection, which can further impair gas exchange.
• Encourage the client to deep breathe and cough at least every 2 hours to maintain clear airways and enhance lung expansion, thus improving gas exchange.
• Reposition the client with the head elevated 30-40 degrees to facilitate easier breathing and promote lung expansion.
• 30 minutes after giving pain meds ask client to rate pain on a scale of 1-10 to ensure effective pain management, as unrelieved pain can impair the patient's ability to participate in respiratory therapies such as deep breathing and coughing.