Burning Question!

[SonicnurseRN]

Ok - I'm a new grad & this question has been bouncing around in my head for a couple of weeks & I hope someone here knows the answer!

According to all my sources the standard implementation for someone having dyspnea is to elevate the HOB.

BUT - I had one recent HESI question that asked if the patient had a recent lobectomy & has dyspnea what do you do? The answer was lay supine. The rationale was that allows for maximum lung expansion.

Is this correct? If so, is this only for a lobectomy or are there other circumstances where laying the patient flat would help w/ breathing & lung expansion?

I've never heard this before & can't find a good answer in text's or online.

Thanks for your help in advance! : )

[krenee]

Edited because, never mind, I read it lobotomy!!! LOL. More coffee, please. Do they even do lobotomies anymore?

[shier]

my understanding on that topic is when you care for a client post lobectomy, since there is still at least a lobe left on that lung, you put the client lying on the unaffected side, to allow maximum expansion of the remaining lobe..

with pneumonectomy, on the other hand, you put the client on the affected side to allow expansion of the remaining lung..

pls correct me if im wrong

[travel50]

Edited because, never mind, I read it lobotomy!!! LOL. More coffee, please. Do they even do lobotomies anymore?

I don't think they do lobotomies anymore, although Dr. Ben Carson does a controversial procedure at Johns Hopkins where he removes the bad part of the brain in children who suffer from severe seizure disorders. The procedure usually works and he has received many awards for his work.

As for lobectomies....I recently admitted a new lady to my nsg home after she had a lobectomy. No one said it would be helpful for her to lie down. She chooses to sit up all day. She has no trouble breathing, but just in case, that is good to know.