A 4-year-old child is recovering from a modified Nuss procedure.Which is the priority intervention by the nurse?
A) Ambulating the child as soon as allowed
B) Encouraging food and fluids postoperatively
C) Monitoring vital signs and wound drainage
D) Playing with the child using pinwheels or bubbles

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The modified Nuss procedure is an open chest reconstruction for severe cases of pectus excavatum.Preventing pneumonia is a critical nursing action.Because this child is too young to use an incentive spirometer,"playing" with him or her using bubbles,pinwheels,or paper triangles the child can blow across the table accomplishes pulmonary hygiene.The other activities are important postoperative nursing interventions,but are not specific to this operation.

A 4-Year-Old Child Is Recovering from a Modified Nuss Procedure