The nurse best maximizes an older adult's potential to avoid developing a postsurgical respiratory infection with which intervention?
A)Walking the patient to the bathroom instead of using the bedside commode
B)Encouraging compliance with prescribed antibiotic therapy
C)Evaluating the patient's ability to effectively cough and deep breathe
D)Offering fluids every hour while the patient is awake

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Evaluating the patient's ability to effectively cough and deep breathe is the best intervention as it helps in expanding the lungs, clearing secretion and facilitates efficient gas exchange which reduces the risk of developing a postsurgical respiratory infection. Walking the patient to the bathroom may not necessarily help prevent respiratory infections. Encouraging compliance with prescribed antibiotic therapy and offering fluids every hour while the patient is awake are also important interventions but may not directly impact respiratory infections.

The Nurse Best Maximizes an Older Adult's Potential to Avoid