Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) Nursing Practice Test

After a pneumonectomy, positioning the patient on their back or the operated side is most beneficial for several reasons. This position helps promote optimal lung expansion and allows gravity to assist with drainage from the surgical site, thereby reducing the risk of complications such as atelectasis or fluid accumulation.

When the patient is positioned on their back, this provides a neutral alignment that ensures adequate ventilation and perfusion, allowing the remaining lung to function efficiently. Sleeping or resting on the operated side can help facilitate drainage and may reduce pressure on the diaphragm, which can be important in the early postoperative period.

In contrast, positioning the patient on the unoperated side could lead to compression of the remaining lung, which is counterproductive. Sitting on the edge of the bed may not provide the necessary support or comfort immediately following surgery, and the prone position could compromise airway management and challenge respiratory function after such a major procedure.

Therefore, the emphasis on positioning the patient on their back or the operated side underscores the importance of promoting respiratory function and preventing complications in the postoperative care of patients who have undergone pneumonectomy.