A nurse is caring for a patient receiving skeletal traction. Due to the patients severe limits on mobility, the nurse has identified a risk for atelectasis or pneumonia. What intervention should the nurse provide in order to prevent these complications?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To prevent these complications, the nurse should educate the patient about performing deep-breathing and coughing exercises to aid in fully expanding the lungs and clearing pulmonary secretions. Antibiotics, bronchodilators, and steroids are not used on a preventative basis and chest physiotherapy is unnecessary and implausible for a patient in traction.

A Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Receiving Skeletal Traction