Author Question: The nurse is encouraging the postoperative patient to utilize diaphragmatic breathing. Reasons for ... (Read 59 times)

Awilson837 · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

The nurse is encouraging the postoperative patient to utilize diaphragmatic breathing. Reasons for this intervention include

a. Management of pain.
b. Decreased healing time.
c. Prevention of atelectasis.
d. Decreased thrombus formation.

Question 2

While the nurse is taking the patient's blood pressure, the patient asks if the reading is high.

In accordance with the newest guidelines, the nurse informs the patient that which of the following blood pressure measurements is consistent with hypertension? a. 120/76 mm Hg
b. 140/94 mm Hg
c. 132/78 mm Hg
d. 118/80 mm Hg

beccamahon · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

C
During general anesthesia, the lungs are not fully inflated during surgery and the cough reflex is suppressed, so mucus collects within airway passages. After surgery, patients may have reduced lung volume and may require greater effort to cough and deep breathe; inadequate lung expansion can lead to atelectasis and pneumonia. Purposely utilizing diaphragmatic breathing can decrease this risk. Diaphragmatic breathing, except for the components of distraction, minimal increased level of oxygen, and minimal chest wall movement, does not influence pain, healing time, or thrombus formation. Better, more effective interventions are available for these situations.

Answer to Question 2

B

Feedback
A Normal blood pressure is considered to be less than or equal to 139/89 mm Hg; thus, this is a normal blood pressure reading.
B Hypertension is noted with systolic readings greater than 139 mm Hg and diastolic readings greater than 89 mm Hg. According to the newest guidelines, this patient's blood pressure reading (140/94 mm Hg) would fall into hypertension category.
C Normal blood pressure is considered to be less than or equal to 139/89; thus, this is a normal blood pressure reading.
D Normal blood pressure is considered to be less than or equal to 139/89; thus, this is a normal blood pressure reading.