How can I get my DD client to take a deep breath?

Specialties Disabilities

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Specializes in Peds, developmental disability.

Our DD adults have fragile respiratory health, especially in winter. How do you get the clients to take a good breath in order to hear lung sounds? I need ideas!

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Specializes in Developmental Disabilities.

That's a tough one. For clients who aren't able to follow the instruction to take a deep breath, I generally just get behind them and position my stethoscope at the L or R right base first and just listen as they inhale and exhale naturally. Usually they will just naturally take a deep inspiration within 1-2 minutes and I am right there to hear it. It can be time consuming, but when you really need to assess sometimes that is all you can do. Sometimes I also give them a few sips of juice or water and it seems that after they swallow, they tend to take a deep breath or twoafter the last swallow. Again, you have to pretty much be in position ready to hear it when it comes.

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Specializes in Peds, developmental disability.

Thanks very much for the pointers. I will try them out. :)

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I sometimes have success by modeling for them. I take a deep breath myself and oftentimes they will imitate on their own, or I can ask them to do what I just did. Sometimes you just have to make do with natural respiration though.

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Specializes in Peds, developmental disability.

Yup, have tried that, but without success so far. Thanks for reminding me, though.

Texan56

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Specializes in MR/DD.

I would try having them blow something.. like bubbles.. have someone else handle the bubbles while you are listening :)

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Specializes in Neuro/NSGY, critical care, med/stroke/tele.
I would try having them blow something.. like bubbles.. have someone else handle the bubbles while you are listening :)

I've done this -- having them blow on a tissue! It may help. :)

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

I have done this with kids - place a cotton ball on the bedside table and see how far they can blow it. They get a sticker for blowing past a taped line 2-3 times. They think it is a game. Sometimes I have to demonstrate.

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Specializes in Neuro/NSGY, critical care, med/stroke/tele.
I have done this with kids - place a cotton ball on the bedside table and see how far they can blow it. They get a sticker for blowing past a taped line 2-3 times. They think it is a game. Sometimes I have to demonstrate.

I LOVE this! may have to steal it...! :yeah:

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