HESI Registered Nurse EXIT Practice Exam

During chest physiotherapy (CPT), what is an appropriate action for the nurse?

1. Schedule the therapy thirty minutes after meals

2. Teach not to cough during treatment

3. Confine percussion to the rib cage area

4. Place the child in a prone position

The correct answer is: Confine percussion to the rib cage area

Confining percussion to the rib cage area during chest physiotherapy is an appropriate action for the nurse as it targets the lungs directly to loosen and mobilize secretions effectively. This technique ensures that the percussion is applied where it can provide the most benefit in helping to clear the airways, which is particularly important in patients with respiratory conditions. Positioning the patient appropriately is also crucial in maximizing the effectiveness of chest physiotherapy. Percussion should not be performed over bony areas or organs such as the kidneys, as this can cause pain or injury. Focusing on the rib cage allows the nurse to safely and effectively apply the necessary percussion to enhance pulmonary function. Other options involve actions that may be less effective or against best practices. For instance, scheduling therapy thirty minutes after meals could potentially lead to discomfort or nausea during treatment. Additionally, teaching a patient not to cough during treatment contradicts the primary goal of CPT, which is to encourage airway clearance through effective expulsion of secretions; coughing is often a necessary and beneficial response during CPT. Positioning a child in a prone position may not be appropriate for all patients, as it depends on individual circumstances and comfort, making care tailored to the patient's needs essential.