The nurse is admitting a patient to the medicalsurgical unit from the PACU. What should the nurse do to help the patient clear secretions and help prevent pneumonia?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To clear secretions and prevent pneumonia, the nurse encourages the patient to turn frequently, take deep breaths, cough, and use the incentive spirometer at least every 2 hours. These pulmonary exercises should begin as soon as the patient arrives on the clinical unit and continue until the patient is discharged. A balanced, high protein diet; visiting family in the waiting room; or taking medications as ordered would not help to clear secretions or prevent pneumonia.

The Nurse Is Admitting a Patient to the Medicalsurgical Unit