Question

Mr. Joe is confined to bed in skeletal traction for fractured femur. Respiratory complications are just one of the many issues related to immobility.
How does immobility contribute to respiratory complications?What are some additional factors which promotes stasis of secretions? What are some nursing interventions to decrease respiratory complications?

Answer 1

Ans-

A. The cause of respiratory complications during immobility-

1. Difficulty expanding lungs fully / taking deep breath due to the position.

2. Weight of chest further limits lung expansion in large resiclents.

3. Cough weaknes,reducing ability to clear secretion.

4. Ability to exchange Oxygen and Carbon dioxide is impaired, causing under ventilation and inadequate oxygen level in blood.

5. Difficulty taking a deep breath cause anxiety and may result in a dyspnea.

6.Blood redistribution and fluid shifts increase the risk for pulmonary edema and blood clots.

B. Additional factors for statis of secretion-

1. Cough weakness, reducing ability to clear secretion.

2. Retained secretion remain in Airway causing collapse of alveoli .

3. Pooling of secretion increase the risks of pneumonia and lung infection.

C. Nursing intervations-

1. Frequent turning of the client.

2. Repositioning Patient can help prevent the abnormal distribution and pooling of mucus in Respiratory tract.

3. Provide stream inhalation twice with nurse's guide.

4. Encourage for deep breathing exercise .

5. Provide coughing for secretion of mucus.