9. The nurse is teaching the mother of a child with cystic fibrosis how to do postural drainage. The nurse should tell the mother to: Mark one answer: Use the heel of her hand during percussion Change the child’s position every 20 minutes Do percussion after the child eats and at bedtime Use cupped hands during percussion
When teaching the mother of a child with cystic fibrosis (CF) how to perform postural drainage, it is important for the nurse to provide accurate and specific instructions to optimize the effectiveness of the technique. Postural drainage is a therapeutic intervention used to help mobilize and remove respiratory secretions from the lungs in individuals with CF. This technique utilizes gravity and various positions to facilitate the movement of mucus, which is essential for maintaining airway clearance.
In order to ensure the correct application of postural drainage, the nurse should inform the mother to change the child’s position approximately every 20 minutes. This periodic changing of positions allows for the targeted drainage of different areas within the lungs, promoting the clearance of secretions throughout the lung fields. By altering positions, dependent areas of the lungs can be targeted, and mucus can be directed to areas where it can be more easily expectorated or cleared.
The use of cupped hands during percussion is not recommended during postural drainage. Instead, the nurse should advise the mother to use the heel of her hand when performing percussion. Percussion is a technique in which the chest is lightly struck with cupped hands to create vibrations that help loosen and mobilize respiratory secretions. The use of the heel of the hand, rather than cupped hands, allows for a more effective transfer of energy and vibrations to the chest wall, facilitating the movement of mucus.
Timing is another important aspect of postural drainage that the nurse should emphasize when teaching the mother. The nurse should instruct the mother to perform percussion after the child eats and at bedtime. By performing percussion after meals, the movement and vibration of the chest wall helps to dislodge and mobilize any secretions that may have been stimulated by eating. Similarly, performing percussion at bedtime can help facilitate the clearance of secretions that may have accumulated throughout the day. These timing recommendations aim to optimize the efficacy of postural drainage and maximize the removal of respiratory secretions.
In summary, when teaching the mother of a child with CF how to perform postural drainage, the nurse should provide clear and accurate instructions. These instructions should include changing the child’s position approximately every 20 minutes, using the heel of the hand during percussion, and performing percussion after meals and at bedtime. By following these guidelines, the mother can confidently and effectively perform postural drainage to improve airway clearance and respiratory function in her child with CF.