Deck 24: Breathing Exercises

Question 1

Which activity could the nurse safely assign to the assistive personnel (AP)?

A) Answering the client's questions about proper procedure when performing breathing exercises
B) Assisting the client to sit upright in order to perform breathing exercises
C) Evaluating the effectiveness of breathing exercises
D) Evaluating the client's technique when using an incentive spirometer

Answer 1

B
Explanation:1. Only the nurse should teach the client.
2. The AP can assist the client to sit upright in order to perform breathing exercises.
3. Only the nurse should evaluate the client.
4. Only the nurse should evaluate the client.

Question 2

A client has retraction of the muscles between the ribs when breathing. In which way should the nurse document this finding?

A) Tracheal tug
B) Intercostal retraction
C) Substernal retraction
D) Suprasternal retraction

Answer 2

B
Explanation:1. Tracheal tug is an indrawing and downward pull of the trachea during inspiration.
2. Intercostal retraction is an indrawing between the ribs.
3. Substernal retraction is an indrawing beneath the breastbone.
4. Suprasternal retraction is an indrawing above the breastbone.

Question 3

A client is prescribed the use of an incentive spirometer. Which action should the nurse assign to assistive personnel (AP) when caring for this client?

A) Hand the device to the client
B) Instruct on the use of the device
C) Assess breath sounds before using the device
D) Evaluate breath sounds after using the device

Answer 3

A
Explanation:1. The AP can assist the client to use the device by handing it to the client.
2. The nurse is responsible for instructing on the use of the device.
3. The nurse is responsible for assessing breath sounds before using the device.
4. The nurse is responsible for evaluating breath sounds after using the device.