Question

After a subtotal gastrectomy a client is returned to the surgical unit. Which is the best nursing action to prevent pulmonary complications?

1. Ambulating the client to increase respiratory exchange2. Promoting frequent turning and deep breathing to mobilize secretions3. Maintaining a consistent oxygen flow rate to increase oxygen saturation4. Keeping a plastic airway in place to ensure patency of the client's airway

Answer 1

2. Promoting frequent turning and deep breathing to mobilize secretions

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the information provided within the question it can be said that the best nursing action to prevent pulmonary complications would be promoting frequent turning and deep breathing to mobilize secretions. This is because after a Gastrectomy (which the doctors remove the cancerous part of the stomach) pulmonary function decreases because there is a reduction in diaphragmatic activity and microatelectasis.