A nurse is planning care for a child who has cystic fibrosis and a prescription to receive chest physiotherapy (CPT). Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
A.
Perform CPT immediately after the child eats.
B.
Percuss each lung segment for 15 min.
C.
Administer albuterol prior to CPT.
D.
Perform vibration during the client’s inspirations.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is C. Administer albuterol prior to CPT.
Explanation:
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system, leading to the production of thick, sticky mucus. This mucus can obstruct airways, making it difficult to breathe and increasing the risk of respiratory infections. Chest physiotherapy (CPT) is a crucial part of managing CF, as it helps to mobilize and clear mucus from the lungs.
Why Administer Albuterol Prior to CPT?
Albuterol is a bronchodilator that works by relaxing and opening the airways, making it easier for air to move in and out of the lungs. Administering albuterol before CPT helps to open up the airways and improve the effectiveness of the therapy. By bronchodilating the airways first, CPT can be more effective in clearing mucus, as the airways are less constricted and can more easily expel the mucus. This pre-treatment with albuterol helps to maximize the benefits of CPT and reduce the risk of potential airway obstruction during the procedure.
Why Not the Other Options?
- A. Perform CPT immediately after the child eats: CPT should not be performed immediately after eating because it can lead to discomfort and potentially cause nausea or vomiting. It is generally recommended to wait at least 1-2 hours after a meal before performing CPT to allow the stomach to empty.
- B. Percuss each lung segment for 15 min: Percussion, a part of CPT, is typically performed for a shorter duration, usually around 2-3 minutes per lung segment. The total duration of percussion might be longer if multiple segments are involved, but 15 minutes per segment is excessive and not in line with standard practice.
- D. Perform vibration during the client’s inspirations: Vibration, which involves placing hands on the chest and vibrating during expiration, helps loosen mucus in the lungs. It is usually performed during exhalation, not inspiration, as the purpose is to help move mucus up the airways during the expulsion phase.
In summary, administering albuterol prior to CPT is an important step to enhance the efficacy of the therapy by ensuring that the airways are open and capable of effectively clearing mucus.