HESI Test Bank Medical Surgical Nursing Related

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When performing postural drainage on a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which approach should the nurse use?

  • A. Obtain arterial blood gases (ABGs) before the procedure.
  • B. Explain that the client may be positioned in five different ways.
  • C. Assist the patient into a position that will allow gravity to move secretions.
  • D. Encourage the client to practice deep breathing throughout the procedure.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct approach when performing postural drainage on a client with COPD is to assist the patient into a position that allows gravity to help move secretions. This position helps drain secretions from specific segments of the lungs. Obtaining arterial blood gases (Choice A) is not directly related to postural drainage. While the client may be placed in multiple positions during postural drainage, the key is to position them to facilitate the movement of secretions, not just any five positions as mentioned in Choice B. Encouraging deep breathing (Choice D) is a good nursing intervention for overall respiratory health but is not specifically related to the technique of postural drainage.