A client who is recovering from anesthesia following oral surgery for lip cancer is experiencing difficulty breathing deeply and coughing up secretions. Which of the following measures will help ease the client's discomfort?
A) Keeping the head of the bed elevated.
B) Positioning the client flat on the abdomen or side.
C) Providing a tracheostomy tray near the bed.
D) Turning the client's head to the side.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Keeping the head of the bed elevated will help improve the client's breathing by increasing lung expansion and reducing the risk of aspiration. Positioning the client flat on the abdomen or side may exacerbate breathing difficulties and increase the risk of aspiration. Providing a tracheostomy tray near the bed is not necessary unless the client's condition deteriorates and emergency interventions are required. Turning the client's head to the side may help prevent aspiration but is not sufficient to improve breathing difficulties.

A Client Who Is Recovering from Anesthesia Following Oral Surgery