Free Medical Surgical Certification Practice Questions Related

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A client is having a left pneumonectomy. In planning this client's postoperative care, nursing interventions for a postoperative left pneumonectomy would include:

  • A. monitoring the chest tubes.
  • B. positioning the client on the right side.
  • C. positioning the client in the semi-Fowler's position with a pillow under the shoulder and back.
  • D. monitoring the right lung for an increase in rales.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Chest tubes are not usually necessary in a pneumonectomy, because there is no lung to re-expand on the operative side. The pneumonectomy client should be positioned on the back or operated side, because the sutured bronchial stump may open, which would allow fluid to drain into the unoperated side and drown the client. The client should not have a pillow under the shoulder and back, because of the subscapular incision. Rales are commonly heard over the base of the remaining lung. An increase could indicate circulatory overload. Rales should be closely monitored.