NCLEX RN Medical Surgical Questions and Answers Related

Review NCLEX RN Medical Surgical Questions and Answers related questions and content

The nurse is developing a plan to teach a client deep-breathing exercises to expand collapsed alveoli and prevent postoperative atelectasis and pneumonia. Which of the following steps should be included? Select all that apply.

  • A. Splint or support the incision to promote maximal comfort.
  • B. Inhale slowly through the nostrils; exhale through pursed lips.
  • C. Hold the breath for about 5 seconds to expand the alveoli.
  • D. Repeat this breathing method 5 to 10 times hourly.
  • E. Close one nostril while inhaling.
Correct Answer: A,B,C,D

Rationale: Splinting the incision (A), slow nasal inhalation with pursed-lip exhalation (B), holding the breath (C), and repeating 5-10 times hourly (D) are correct steps for deep-breathing exercises to prevent atelectasis. Closing one nostril (E) is not part of this technique.