A patient in acute respiratory failure as a complication of COPD has a PaCO₂of 65 mm Hg;adventitious lung sounds,especially in the right lung;and marked fatigue with an ineffective cough.To promote gas exchange in the patient,what should the nurse do?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient is showing signs of respiratory distress and ineffective cough, which indicates that respiratory secretions are present and need to be removed to improve gas exchange. The nurse should assist the patient with augmented coughing, which involves instructing the patient to take a deep breath and cough forcefully to help remove secretions. This technique helps to promote gas exchange and decrease the risk of complications such as pneumonia. Humidification may also be beneficial, but it is not the priority intervention in this case. Positioning the patient on the right side with the head of the bed elevated may help to improve gas exchange by allowing better air flow to the left lung, but it does not address the issue of respiratory secretions. Scheduling assessments and treatments to allow rest periods is important, but it does not directly address the patient's respiratory distress.

A Patient in Acute Respiratory Failure as a Complication of COPD