Health Promotion and Maintenance
29. A nurse is performing discharge teaching with the parents of a preschooler diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. What part of the teaching plan will best assist the parents to prevent future pulmonary infections in this child?
. Teaching the parents proper administration of pancreatic enzymes.
. Emphasizing the need for regular and consistent chest physiotherapy.
. Stressing the need to seek prompt medical attention for increased work of breathing.
. Instructing the parents to monitor the child's daily fluid intake for adequacy.
Test-Taking Tip
Recall that, in a child with cystic fibrosis, the respiratory tract is filled with thick, tenacious secretions. The best answer focuses on the loosening and removal of the secretions through CPT.
Content Area: Child Health, Respiratory; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Implementation; Cognitive Level: Analysis; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Reduction of Risk Potential/System Specific Assessments
Health Promotion and Maintenance
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Answer 1 is incorrect because, although proper nutrition does help prevent infection, regular and consistent pulmonary toilet has a greater preventive effect. Answer 2 is correct because chest physiotherapy (CPT) is essential to help loosen sticky respiratory secretions and facilitate sputum removal in the child with cystic fibrosis. Failure to implement this treatment would create a ready environment for pulmonary infection. Answer 3 is incorrect because increased work of breathing would most likely occur after an infection has already begun. Answer 4 is incorrect because, although proper hydration helps loosen respiratory secretions, regular and consistent pulmonary toilet has a greater preventive effect.