Nutrition HESI Practice Exam Related

Review Nutrition HESI Practice Exam related questions and content

What is the most effective nursing intervention to prevent atelectasis from developing in a postoperative client?

  • A. Maintain adequate hydration
  • B. Assist the client to turn, deep breathe, and cough
  • C. Ambulate the client within 12 hours
  • D. Splint the incision
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to assist the client to turn, deep breathe, and cough. This intervention helps to expand the lungs and prevent atelectasis in postoperative clients. Maintaining adequate hydration is important for overall health but is not the most effective intervention for preventing atelectasis. Ambulating the client within 12 hours is beneficial for preventing complications after surgery, but it may not be as directly effective in preventing atelectasis as turning, deep breathing, and coughing. Splinting the incision is important for postoperative care, but it does not specifically address the prevention of atelectasis.