The nurse helps a client to cough and deep breathe after surgery. It is desirable for
the client to assume which position?
-Side-lying
-Prone
-Supine with one pillow
High Fowler's
High Fowler's- high Fowler's is the best position to deep breathe and cough.
Explanation
Side-lying impedes expansion of lungs; ask client to take two slow, deep breaths,
inhaling through nose and exhaling through mouth; inhale deeply third time and
cough.
Prone lying on abdomen; would not be able to expand lungs; lying prone will prevent
hip flexion.
Supine with one pillow ask client to splint abdominal wound with pillow; administer
analgesic prior to asking client to cough and deep breath
Overview
Cough and Deep Breathe (CDB)- After surgery or immobility for any period of time,
client develops pulmonary disorders; coughing and deep breathing (CDB) will
alleviate these problems; client might use an incentive spirometer or just take
several deep breathes and cough - deep cough; once mucus is disturbed the client
will cough it up; CDB is an independent nursing activity; each cycle of CDB includes
at least 3 deep breaths and a deep cough; at least 10 cycles every 1-2 hours.
,Cough and Deep Breathe (CDB)- Describe when it is used, how to preform, and what
it entails.
After surgery or immobility for any period of time, client develops pulmonary
disorders; coughing and deep breathing (CDB) will alleviate these problems; client
might use an incentive spirometer or just take several deep breathes and cough -
deep cough; once mucus is disturbed the client will cough it up; CDB is an
independent nursing activity; each cycle of CDB includes at least 3 deep breaths and
a deep cough; at least 10 cycles every 1-2 hours.
The nurse identifies which diet best meets the needs of a person with multiple
wounds?
-High-protein, low-fat, high-iron diet
-High-vitamin C, high-protein, high-carbohydrate diet
-High-vitamin A, high-calcium, high-fat diet
-High-vitamin B, high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet
High-vitamin C, high-protein, high-carbohydrate diet- increased vitamin C is
essential to wound healing, and high protein is necessary for tissue growth;
carbohydrate is needed or energy so the protein is properly utilized for repair of
tissue
Explanation
High-protein, low-fat, high-iron diet - increased iron appropriate for client with iron
deficiency anemia
High-vitamin A, high-calcium, high-fat diet - vitamin A contributes to night vision and
growth of bones and teeth; vitamin A found in liver, fish, liver oils, and fortified dairy
products
,High-vitamin B, high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet - high carbohydrates needed for
energy
Overview
Wound Healing Diet
Diet to support wound healing should be high in protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins
(especially A, C, E), and minerals (including zinc).
Essential Nursing Care
Proper nutrition is one of the most important factors to effect wound healing, and
can be assessed by monitoring urinary and bowel elimination patterns.
Purpose
. Promotes wound healing
. Prevents infection
. Influences balanced diet
Sample Associated Nursing Dx
. Imbalanced Nutrition
. Risk for Imbalanced Nutrition
. Anxiety
. Risk for Impaired Fluid Volume
. Delay in Wound Healing
. Deficient Knowledge
. Disturbed Body Image
. Impaired Skin Integrity
. Impaired Tissue Integrity
. Risk for Infection
, Implementation
. Postoperative Assessment and Interventions
. Assess wound drainage and maintain prescribed IV fluid infusion rates
. Assess skin turgor and mucous membranes for dehydration
. Monitor weight and postoperative dietary progression (i.e., from clear to full liquids,
and soft to regular foods)
. Identify nutritional needs and monitor for nutritional risks. Encourage food and fluid
intake according to dietary progression or as prescribed.
. Double the patient's recommended dietary allowance of protein (from 0.8/kg/day)
before tissue even begins to heal
. Supply fruit juices and high-fiber foods
. Adjust the patient's general intake of carbohydrates, fats, vitamins (especially A, C,
and E), and minerals (including zinc) according to needs
. Ensure that patient's environment is clean, neat, and free of odors to promote
appetite
. Encourage patient to sit up in bed or chair for meals, and encourage family
participation in meals
. Provide privacy when patient is using the bedpan, urinal, commode, or bathroom
. Monitor patterns of intake and output and assess patient's ability to pass flatus and
stool
. Palpate above the symphis pubis if:
. Patient has not voided within 8 hours after surger
. Patient has been voiding frequently in amounts of less than 50mL
. Notify physician of abnormalities
. Auscultate bowel sounds every 4 hours when the patient is awake to assess for
return of peristalsis