The nurse is caring for a mechanically ventilated patient following bilateral lung transplantation. When planning the care of this patient, what is the priority nursing intervention?

a. Thirty-degree elevation of head of bed
b. Endotracheal suctioning as needed
c. Frequent side to side repositioning
d. Sequential compression stockings


B
Denervation of the lung that occurs during lung transplantation causes changes in mucus production and ciliary movement. As a result, to promote the drainage of secretions and prevent mucus plugging, endotracheal and oral suctioning should be a priority of nursing care in the postoperative lung transplant patient. Head of bed elevation, side to side repositioning, and application of sequential compression stockings are appropriate nursing interventions, but they are not the priority intervention.

Nursing

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