A surgeon writes an order for lung expansion therapy for a 28-year-old 110-lb woman who has undergone lower abdominal surgery. In evaluating this patient at the bedside, you obtain a VC of 800 ml and an IC of 44% predicted. Although a chest radiograph indicates basal atelectasis, she has no problem with retained secretions. What lung expansion treatment would you recommend?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In this scenario, the patient has basal atelectasis but no problem with retained secretions. The best option for lung expansion therapy would be incentive spirometry. This will help the patient take deep breaths and expand her lungs and prevent further atelectasis. Intermittent positive-pressure breathing and continuous positive airway pressure therapy are typically used when there is a problem with retained secretions, which is not the case here. Positive end-expiratory pressure therapy with bronchodilator and bronchial hygiene is better suited for patients with more significant lung pathology, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome.

A Surgeon Writes an Order for Lung Expansion Therapy for a 28-Year-Old