Editing Medical-Surgical Nursing – LPN Practice Questions (section)

==Question 9==
A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is short of breath. Which nursing action is most appropriate for the licensed practical nurse to take?
# Increase the oxygen flow rate to 6 liters per minute by nasal cannula.
# Position the patient upright and coach pursed-lip breathing.
# Have the patient lie flat to rest and conserve energy.
# Encourage rapid, deep breaths through the mouth.

'''Answer:''' Option 2, position the patient upright and coach pursed-lip breathing.

''Rationale:'' Upright or tripod positioning allows fuller lung expansion, and pursed-lip breathing keeps small airways open longer during exhalation so trapped air can escape. Option 1 changes a prescribed oxygen rate without an order, and high flow oxygen can be harmful in some patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Option 3 worsens breathing by allowing abdominal contents to press on the diaphragm. Option 4 promotes air trapping and does not help.