The nurse is caring for a client who will have a pulmonary function test (PFT) performed as an outpatient following hospital discharge. Which should the nurse include in his teaching on the procedure?
have a driver accompany the client to the test site
limit activity in the days leading up to the test
remain NPO after midnight the day before the test
do not smoke for at least 6 – 8 hours before the test
withhold bronchodilators for 4 – 6 hours prior to the test
increase aerobic activity as much as possible in the days before the test
Numbers 4 and 5 are correct.
In preparing for a PFT, the nurse should teach the client to avoid smoking at least 6 to 8 hours before the test. Bronchodilators should be withheld for 4 to 6 hours before the test. There is no need for the client to take a driver with her because she will not be sedated. The client should maintain normal activity levels, neither limiting nor increasing activity before the test. Maintaining normal activity levels gives a truer picture of the client’s lung function. There is no need to be NPO for the test.
