The nurse assists a client with advanced emphysema to the bathroom. The client becomes extremely short of breath while returning to bed.

The nurse assists a client with advanced emphysema to the bathroom. The client becomes extremely short of breath while returning to bed.

The nurse should:
A . Increase his nasal O2 to 6 L/min
B . Place him in a lateral Sims’ position
C . Encourage pursed-lip breathing
D . Have him breathe into a paper bag

View Answer

Answer: C

Explanation:

(A) Giving too high a concentration of O2 to a client with em-physema may remove his stimulus to breathe.

(B) The client should sit forward with his hands on his knees or an overbed table and with shoulders elevated.

(C) Pursed-lip breathing helps the client to blow off CO2 and to keep air passages open.

(D) Covering the face of a client extremely short of breath may cause anxiety and further increase dyspnea.