b.
Prevent kinking or clogging that interferes with adequate drainage of
catheters and drainage tubes.
c.
Encourage and assist the patient to cough, to turn frequently, and to take
deep breaths several times each hour (see Lesson 1, paras 1-5a(1), (2), (3)).
d.
Monitor the patient's intake and output accurately, including all IVs, blood
products, urine, emesis, NG tube drainage, etc. (refer to Lesson 4, para 4-13b).
e.
Implement safety measures to protect dependent and lethargic patients.
These safety measures are given below.
(1)
Keep siderails in the high position at all times (see Figure 3-5).
Figure 3-5. Position of the siderails. A. High positon.
B. Intermediate postion. C. Low position
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