QuestionAugust 16, 2025

A nurse is reviewing the medical record for a client who has pneumonia. The nurse should plan to have the client lie on his back with his head lower than his feet to mobilize secretions from which of the following lung segments? Apical segments Both upper lobes Anterior segments of both lower lobes Posterior segments of both lower lobes

A nurse is reviewing the medical record for a client who has pneumonia. The nurse should plan to have the client lie on his back with his head lower than his feet to mobilize secretions from which of the following lung segments? Apical segments Both upper lobes Anterior segments of both lower lobes Posterior segments of both lower lobes
A nurse is reviewing the medical record for a client who has pneumonia. The nurse should plan to have the client lie on his back with his head lower than his feet to mobilize secretions from which of the following lung segments? Apical segments Both upper lobes Anterior segments of both lower lobes Posterior segments of both lower lobes

Solution
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Answer

Posterior segments of both lower lobes Explanation 1. Identify the purpose of positioning The nurse aims to mobilize secretions from specific lung segments by using gravity-assisted drainage. This involves positioning the client in a way that facilitates the movement of secretions from deeper lung areas towards the larger airways for easier expectoration. 2. Understand the effect of head-down position Lying on the back with the head lower than the feet is known as the Trendelenburg position. This position is typically used to drain the posterior segments of the lower lobes because it allows gravity to assist in moving secretions from these areas upwards towards the trachea. 3. Determine which lung segments are affected In the Trendelenburg position, the posterior segments of both lower lobes are most effectively drained due to their anatomical location and orientation relative to gravity when the head is positioned lower than the feet.

Explanation

1. Identify the purpose of positioning<br /> The nurse aims to mobilize secretions from specific lung segments by using gravity-assisted drainage. This involves positioning the client in a way that facilitates the movement of secretions from deeper lung areas towards the larger airways for easier expectoration.<br /><br />2. Understand the effect of head-down position<br /> Lying on the back with the head lower than the feet is known as the Trendelenburg position. This position is typically used to drain the posterior segments of the lower lobes because it allows gravity to assist in moving secretions from these areas upwards towards the trachea.<br /><br />3. Determine which lung segments are affected<br /> In the Trendelenburg position, the posterior segments of both lower lobes are most effectively drained due to their anatomical location and orientation relative to gravity when the head is positioned lower than the feet.
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