RN Basic Care and Comfort Related

Review RN Basic Care and Comfort related questions and content

The nurse is caring for a client with sternal wires following a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). The client complains of severe pain when coughing and deep breathing. What nonpharmacological measures can the nurse take to increase client comfort? Select all that apply.

  • A. apply hot packs to the sternum
  • B. give morphine PRN for pain before client coughs
  • C. suggest using audio books or relaxing music as a distraction
  • D. teach the client how to use a pillow to splint the chest when coughing
  • E. encourage the client to engage in prayer, meditation, or other activities
  • F. properly position the head of the bed to minimize pressure on the sternum
Correct Answer: C,D,E,F

Rationale: Splinting with a pillow (D), distraction with music/audiobooks (C), meditation/prayer (E), and proper bed positioning (F) reduce pain nonpharmacologically. Hot packs (A) risk burns, and morphine (B) is pharmacological.